ISACA Global President Celebrates Nigerian IT Professionals, Hails Rising Influence in Global Cybersecurity and Governance

Global President of ISACA, the world’s leading professional association for IT governance, risk, security, and audit professionals, has showered praise on Nigerian IT professionals, describing them as “increasingly influential players” in shaping global best practices in cybersecurity, digital trust, and enterprise technology management.

Mr. Rob Clyde, who is currently visiting Nigeria, made the remarks during a high-profile gala organised by the ISACA Lagos Chapter to celebrate the contributions of Nigerian members to the global body and the local digital economy. The event, held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at a leading hotel in Lagos, attracted over 500 IT governance, cybersecurity, and audit professionals from across the country.

In his address, Clyde commended the rapid growth of the ISACA Nigeria community, which has become one of the largest and most active chapters in Africa. He noted that Nigerian professionals have consistently demonstrated excellence in earning globally recognised certifications such as CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), and the newer Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX) credentials.

“Nigerian IT professionals are no longer just participants ,they are leaders,” Clyde said. “We see an increasing number of Nigerian experts contributing to ISACA’s global thought leadership, research papers, conference speaking slots, and standards development. This is a testament to the depth of talent in this country.”

He highlighted the critical role Nigerian professionals are playing in strengthening cybersecurity defences across both public and private sectors at a time when Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in sophisticated cyber threats, ransomware attacks, and digital fraud.

Clyde also praised Nigeria’s growing digital economy, citing the rapid expansion of fintech, e-commerce, digital payments, and data centre infrastructure. However, he warned that this growth must be matched by equally strong governance, risk management, and cybersecurity frameworks to protect citizens, businesses, and national infrastructure.

“The opportunities in Nigeria’s digital economy are enormous,” he noted. “But so are the risks. The work being done by ISACA members in Nigeria to build resilient systems, promote ethical technology use, and develop local talent is extremely important not just for this country, but for the entire African continent.”

The President of Applaud Recognition ISACA Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Adebisi Adeyemi, described Clyde’s visit and recognition as “a proud moment” for Nigerian professionals. She revealed that the chapter now has over 3,500 members and has consistently ranked among ISACA’s top-performing chapters globally in terms of certification growth, member engagement, and community impact.

Adeyemi called on the Federal Government to do more to support the development of local IT governance and cybersecurity talent. She proposed the inclusion of cybersecurity and digital governance modules in the national curriculum, stronger collaboration between industry and academia, and the creation of a National Cybersecurity Certification Framework that aligns with global standards such as those promoted by ISACA.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who was represented at the event, welcomed the growing influence of Nigerian professionals in global IT governance. He said the ministry is working on several initiatives to deepen digital skills, including partnerships with international certification bodies to make globally recognised credentials more accessible and affordable for young Nigerians.

Nigeria’s increasing prominence in the global technology governance space is being driven by several factors. The country has one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Africa, with a vibrant startup ecosystem, a young and tech-savvy population, and rising adoption of digital financial services, e-government platforms, and data-driven decision-making in both public and private sectors.

However, this rapid digital growth has also exposed significant vulnerabilities. Cybercrime losses in Nigeria run into hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and many organisations still struggle with basic IT governance, risk management, and compliance practices. ISACA members in Nigeria have been at the forefront of efforts to professionalise these areas through training, advocacy, and advisory services.

Clyde encouraged more Nigerian professionals to take up leadership roles within ISACA’s global structure and to contribute more actively to international standards development. He announced that ISACA would be expanding its scholarship and mentorship programmes for African professionals, with a special focus on women and young talents from underrepresented regions.

Stakeholders at the event called on the Nigerian government and private sector to invest more strategically in cybersecurity education, professional certification, and research. They argued that building a strong local base of certified IT governance and cybersecurity professionals is essential for protecting national critical infrastructure, supporting digital economic growth, and positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in responsible technology adoption.

As the evening concluded with awards presented to outstanding ISACA members and partners, the message was clear: Nigerian IT professionals are earning their place on the global stage. With continued support, investment, and recognition, they are poised to play an even greater role in shaping Africa’s digital future.

For a country striving to diversify its economy and build a knowledge-based society, the rise of professionals like those celebrated by ISACA represents both hope and a call to action. The next few years will determine whether Nigeria can translate this growing talent pool into tangible national development outcomes in the digital age.