The **Federal Government of Nigeria** is collaborating with global cybersecurity leader **Cisco** to establish a state-of-the-art cybersecurity and broadband laboratory aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure. This initiative was announced by the **Minister of Communications and Digital Economy**, **Bosun Tijani**, following an inspection tour of the proposed facility, although the specific location has not been disclosed.
Minister Tijani highlighted that the partnership with Cisco is the result of ongoing discussions over several months, including recent conversations during the **United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79)** in New York. He expressed appreciation for Cisco’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation initiatives across various sectors.
The laboratory will primarily focus on enhancing cybersecurity capabilities while expanding broadband infrastructure, aligning with Nigeria’s broader strategy to bolster its digital economy. Tijani noted that Cisco has pledged substantial resources toward this project, working closely with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
He commended Cisco’s leadership, particularly **Dr. Guy Diedrich**, Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer, and **Francine Katsoudas**, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, for their contributions in facilitating the partnership.
In May, the **National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)** and Cisco signed a **Memorandum of Understanding** focusing on **Artificial Intelligence (AI)** and smart agriculture. This collaboration aims to repurpose the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to create an AI and cybersecurity experience and incubation center, establish a broadband innovation center, set up a smart agriculture demonstration farm, design and deploy technology learning hubs, and incubate defense technology solutions.
Overall, the partnership with Cisco is a significant component of Nigeria’s **National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy**, which aims to position the country as a leader in Africa’s digital economy by enhancing digital skills, infrastructure, and cybersecurity resilience.
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