National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has issued a strong defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that those who continue to underestimate the president’s leadership do so at their own peril.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2025 National Cybersecurity Conference themed “Building a Resilient Digital Future,” Ribadu dismissed critics of the Tinubu administration, asserting that Nigeria is witnessing steady progress under the current government.
“We have quality leadership today in our country. Mr. President is a digital president. He is educated, enlightened, and understands governance. People underestimate him at their own peril,” Ribadu declared to an audience comprising cybersecurity stakeholders, including foreign diplomats and tech investors.
The NSA said that under Tinubu’s leadership, the country is experiencing improvement in national security, economic stability, and regional peace. “Nigeria is getting safer and better every single day. Our economy is stabilizing. Things are changing,” he said.
Ribadu took a swipe at critics of the administration, describing them as “expired politicians” who feel entitled to power and have resorted to media outbursts out of frustration. “They created religious, ethnic, and political problems. Now we are trying to fix them, and they should give us a chance,” he added.
On national security, Ribadu highlighted improved collaboration between government and telecom companies, stating that threats from insurgents and criminal elements, especially in the Niger Delta and South-East regions, were being effectively countered.
Commenting on cyber threats, Ribadu said public institutions, banks, and markets are increasingly vulnerable, which is why the government is investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and training.
Also speaking at the conference, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, revealed that the Commission is digitizing all its processes as part of efforts to curb cybercrime and enhance transparency. He said that 194 cybercrime suspects were arrested recently, with 146 convictions secured so far.
The EFCC chief warned that cybercriminals, including foreign nationals posing as Nigerians, were being tracked and prosecuted. “Before the end of 2025, every stage from petition submission to prosecution will be fully digital,” he assured.
The cybersecurity conference brought together stakeholders from government, law enforcement, the private sector, and international partners to chart new strategies for building a resilient digital future.
