From Lagos to the World: Nigeria’s Leap into Cyber Diplomacy
By: Olusola (Shola) Ogunnubi, Queen’s University and Oladotun Awosusi, University of Fort Hare
Introduction
In our globalized society, the landscape of international diplomacy and national security is increasingly being redefined by cyberspace, presenting new opportunities for military and diplomatic engagements. Cyber diplomacy is defined as the engagement and deployment of diplomatic resources to promote national interest in cyberspace. Cyber diplomatic practices extend beyond cyber security to encompass internet freedom, governance, and the promotion of socio-economic growth through digital innovation. Traditionally, Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements were confined to physical borders, focusing on land, sea, and airspace. The last two decades have witnessed a ‘virtual’ turn, with Abuja tilting towards the cyber domain, recognizing it as a critical frontier for promoting national aspirations, such as security and economic advancement. However, the history of Nigeria’s digital ascent began in the late 20th century, when the internet was still a novel concept for many African nations. Fast forward to today, Nigeria boasts one of the largest online populations in Africa, with internet penetration rates soaring. This digital revolution has been both rapid and transformative, laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s ambitious cyber diplomatic agenda.
Redefining Border Diplomacy through Cyber Resources
From its early forays into the internet space in the 1990s to becoming a significant cyber actor with over 100 million active internet subscribers, Nigeria’s journey in the digital realm is proof of its potential and ambition. In 2001, Nigeria witnessed a significant transformation in its communication landscape with the introduction of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a cyber revolution, significantly expanding the country’s digital footprint with a surge in cyber users and experts. Today, Nigeria emerges as a pivotal player in African cyberspace, aligning with giants like Egypt and South Africa. The country has seen an astronomical rise in internet users, from 200,000 in 2000 to over 100 million, according to the 2019 Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data. This growth, highlighted by a Business Insider Africa report, points to Nigeria’s significant cyber-user base, now exceeding 109 million for both personal and corporate engagement.
What are the challenges and opportunities?
As a realm fraught with various forms of cyber aggression and criminal acts by non-state and state entities, this virtual landscape of national frontiers introduces profound security challenges that resonate through global politics and economies. A 2021 analysis by Entrepreneur suggests that by 2025, cybercrime costs could reach an astronomical $10 trillion annually. Nigeria, identified as a principal cyber-crime centre in Africa, ranks third in cyber-attack impacts, following South Africa and Kenya. With 16.7 million of 85 million cyber-attacks reported in the latter half of 2021, Nigeria’s cyberspace remains a critical area for robust cybersecurity measures, especially highlighted by hacking attempts during the 2023 general elections targeting the country’s electoral body.
Tunde Ogunleye from the CyberCrime Working Group highlights Nigeria’s paradox: a leader in global internet engagement yet ranked vulnerably high for cyber threats and fraud. Nigeria’s struggle against cyber threats has significantly impacted its economy and security, with the nation losing at least $800 million to cyber-attacks in 2018.
Recognizing the critical role of cyberspace in bolstering Nigeria’s economic and security landscape, Abuja has embraced a mix of defensive and proactive measures, including cyber regulations, laws, policies, and diplomatic endeavours. Early steps like the formation of the National Security Initiative in 2003 and the subsequent establishment of the CyberCrime Working Group underline foundational cybersecurity efforts. Escalating cyber threats prompted further actions, such as the adoption of a National Cyber Security Strategy in 2014 and the enactment of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) in 2023.
A Strategy of Engagement and Defence
Although Nigeria is encumbered with enormous challenges, its cyber domain has an inherent potential for international diplomacy. The main argument in our forthcoming book on Nigeria’s border diplomacy is that Nigeria’s cyberspace, characterized by benefits and burdens, has shaped a cyber diplomatic practice that addresses its cybersecurity challenges. We propose that contrary to its traditional Afrocentric stance on physical borders, Nigeria’s cyber strategy is driven by a realist predisposition prioritizing national security and sovereignty. As a prominent cyber actor in Africa, Nigeria attracts partnership and collaboration with other major cyber stakeholders from Asia, Europe, and America.
Globally, Nigeria collaborates with the International Telecommunication Union ITU to protect its cyberspace, benefiting from frameworks like the Global Cybersecurity Agenda. It works with Interpol to tackle cybercrime and engages with the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation-Computer Emergency Response Teams (OIC-CERT) for cybersecurity enhancements. Nigeria ratified the Budapest Convention to align with global cybersecurity efforts and have established bilateral partnerships the UK, China, and the US to develop cyberspace capabilities. Also, Nigeria leverages Chinese investment to develop its infrastructure and training to enhance its digital domain.
Although Nigeria is a key player in African regionalism, its approach to cyber diplomacy takes a different approach, prioritizing national over regional interests in contrast to its traditional diplomacy. This shift towards “cybersecurity realism” emphasizes economic and national security. Efforts to establish common cyber norms in Africa have led to the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection in 2014, aiming for continental electronic transaction security. However, Nigeria has been less involved in this regional initiative, opting instead for global frameworks like the Budapest Convention to reflect a nationalistic stance in cyber diplomacy. Since the launch of the Malabo Convention, Nigeria has neither signed nor ratified the Convention despite regional appeals.
Within the ECOWAS region, where Nigeria plays a pivotal role, its cyber strategy reflects a pragmatic, security-first mindset. Despite contributing to the ECOWAS cyber framework, Nigeria has yet to fully harmonise its national laws with these regional standards.
This nationalistic shift, driven by the challenges of cybercrime and the need for secure cyberspace, contrasts with Nigeria’s historical pan-African approach to its physical borders. Our book focuses on what this new turn in diplomacy means for Nigeria’s regional power profile in Africa and how we understand regional hegemony more broadly.
Balancing National Interests with Global Commitments
As Nigeria continues to explore the potential of cyber diplomacy, it must also reckon with the intrinsic link between its virtual and physical borders. The realities of cyber threats necessitate a cohesive strategy that aligns with Nigeria’s broader foreign policy objectives and regional commitments.
Nigeria’s response to these challenges has been two-fold. On the defense front, substantial investments in cybersecurity infrastructure aim to protect national interests and ensure the safety of its digital space. On the engagement side, Nigeria actively participates in international dialogues and partnerships, advocating for a collaborative approach to managing cyber threats and promoting digital harmony. In redefining its cyber diplomacy, Nigeria faces the task of balancing its national interests with its traditional Afrocentric diplomatic values.
The Future of Diplomacy is Digital
Through strategic investments in cybersecurity, active international engagement, and the promotion of digital inclusivity, Nigeria is laying the foundation for a future where digital technologies are a force for good. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of the digital domain, its efforts will no doubt shape the future of Africa’s cyber diplomacy in years to come. By harnessing the potential of cyberspace, Nigeria aspires not just to safeguard its digital frontiers but also to assert its leadership in shaping Africa’s cyber diplomacy landscape. However, the journey is fraught with challenges that require a nuanced understanding of the cyber domain, a commitment to building resilient cybersecurity infrastructure, and a diplomatic strategy that harmonizes national interests with Africa’s collective aspirations in the digital era.
