Nigeria’s digital ecosystem faces significant risks in 2025, with cryptocurrency scams and AI-powered cyberattacks predicted to dominate the country’s cybersecurity landscape, according to a report by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria.

The 21-page report, titled Nigeria Cyber Threat Forecast 2025, highlights both persistent and emerging threats that require urgent action from the government, private sector, and civil society.

CSEAN’s report pointed to a surge in cryptocurrency-related scams, fuelled by rising crypto prices and inexperienced investors.

“Social media scams, Ponzi schemes, and fake cryptocurrency exchanges will target vulnerable individuals, resulting in significant financial losses,” the report stated.

The report also warns of a growing wave of AI-powered attacks, with cybercriminals deploying deep fakes and other AI-generated content for phishing, social engineering, romance scams, and sextortion. “These sophisticated tactics will exploit trust and manipulate public opinion, posing severe risks to individuals and businesses,” CSEAN cautioned.

Other threats expected to intensify in 2025 include insider risks, data breaches, exploitation of unlinked fintech accounts, and advanced persistent threats targeting critical infrastructure.

The report identified weak enforcement of the amended Nigeria Cybercrime Act 2024 as a critical barrier to addressing these challenges.

A shortage of cybersecurity professionals, exacerbated by the emigration trend known as the “Japa” phenomenon, is expected to further undermine Nigeria’s digital resilience.

CSEAN President, Ade Shoyinka, described the report as a wake-up call for stakeholders to adopt a proactive and unified approach to cybersecurity.

“The Nigeria Cyber Threat Forecast 2025 serves as a clarion call for action. By addressing these challenges head-on, Nigeria can strengthen its digital resilience, safeguard critical infrastructure, and empower its citizens in an increasingly interconnected world,” Soyinka said.

The report called on businesses to invest in AI-driven threat detection systems and to prioritise continuous employee training to mitigate insider threats.

Regulators and financial institutions were advised to tighten Know-Your-Customer protocols to reduce vulnerabilities in fintech operations.

Policy makers were also encouraged to strengthen the enforcement of cyber crime laws, allocate more resources for cyber security tools, and collaborate with international partners to combat transnational cyber crimes.

To ensure long-term resilience, the report emphasised the need to address economic conditions that contribute to the emigration of skilled professionals.

It also called for public education campaigns to foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and accountability.

“If we fail to act decisively, these emerging threats will not only disrupt our digital infrastructure but also undermine public trust and economic growth,” Shoyinka warned.