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By Chinenye Anuforo
Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030 will require more than investment in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, as cybersecurity and data protection are emerging as critical pillars of the country’s digital transformation.
Switch Solutions Limited, a Nigerian ICT consulting firm specialising in cybersecurity, data protection, software development and digital transformation, has warned that Nigeria’s push for sovereign artificial intelligence could be undermined if the data and infrastructure powering the digital economy are not adequately protected.
The company made the case at GITEX Nigeria 2026, where it is showcasing its cybersecurity and data protection capabilities and engaging stakeholders on the implications of Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The second edition of GITEX Nigeria is holding from August 31 to September 3 across Abuja and Lagos under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the theme, “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign AI and Innovation.”
For Switch Solutions, the theme goes beyond the adoption of artificial intelligence. It raises a fundamental question about who owns, controls and protects the data and digital infrastructure that will underpin Nigeria’s next phase of economic growth.
Managing Director of Switch Solutions Limited, Abdulaziz Aliyu Ari, said Nigeria must move from being primarily a consumer of imported technologies to becoming a builder and owner of digital capabilities.
“GITEX Nigeria 2026 is not just another tech exhibition—it is a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital transformation and a vital platform for shaping the future of our economy,” Ari said.
He said Nigeria’s transition towards sovereign AI must be supported by stronger cybersecurity, data protection, resilient digital infrastructure and local technical capacity.
“Sovereign AI and innovation cannot be achieved without sovereign data protection and cybersecurity,” he said.
According to Ari, cybersecurity should no longer be viewed merely as a compliance obligation or an issue for information technology departments.
Rather, he said, it should be treated as an important component of business competitiveness, digital trust and economic development.
“As Africa’s digital economy expands, the demand for stronger systems to manage cyber risk and protect data has never been greater,” Ari said.
He argued that organisations with strong security systems and responsible data management practices would be better positioned to earn the confidence of customers, partners and international investors.
The warning comes as Nigerian businesses and public institutions increasingly adopt cloud computing, digital payments, artificial intelligence and other data-driven technologies, increasing the amount of sensitive information and critical operations exposed to cyber risks.
Ari said Nigeria’s economic ambition would therefore require a deliberate effort to build resilient digital infrastructure and develop the human capital needed to secure it.
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“For Nigeria to achieve its $1 trillion economy target and unlock the projected $1 trillion AI-driven market opportunity by 2035, we must build resilient digital infrastructure, develop local talent, and strengthen our cybersecurity posture,” he said.
He pointed to the Federal Government’s ambition to attract $750 million in private-sector investment for cloud infrastructure as an indication of the scale of infrastructure investment required to support Nigeria’s digital transformation.
But as investment in infrastructure and AI grows, the company said the country must equally strengthen its ability to protect the systems and data being deployed across the economy.
Switch Solutions also warned that artificial intelligence itself is creating new opportunities for cybercriminals by expanding the potential attack surface available to malicious actors.
Ari said the changing threat environment makes collaboration between government institutions, technology companies, startups, investors and cybersecurity firms increasingly important.
“No single organization can secure the digital economy alone,” he said.
He said GITEX provides an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange threat intelligence, cybersecurity strategies and technical expertise while developing the collective capacity needed to protect Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
Beyond showcasing its services, Switch Solutions is using the event to explore partnerships with technology companies, startups, investors and government institutions.
The company’s participation at GITEX follows increased recognition of its work in cybersecurity and digital transformation.
In August 2026, Switch Solutions received the Institutional Recognition Award at the 15th West African Cybersecurity Conference in recognition of its contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy.
The company has also worked with public-sector institutions on data protection and privacy capacity building, including a partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure to train personnel on data privacy and protection.
The engagement reflects the growing importance of data governance as government institutions increasingly migrate services and operations to digital platforms.
For Switch Solutions, Nigeria’s sovereign AI ambition cannot be separated from the country’s ability to control and protect its data.
AI systems depend on access to data, computing infrastructure and secure digital environments, making cybersecurity and data governance central to the question of digital sovereignty.
Ari said GITEX represents an opportunity to connect government policy with private-sector implementation and move Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda from ambition to execution.
“It is the bridge between policy and practice, between ambition and execution,” he said.
As Nigeria seeks to position itself as a leading technology and AI hub in Africa, the company said the country’s success will depend not only on how quickly it adopts emerging technologies but also on how securely and strategically it builds them.
“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on the choices we make today,” Ari said.
With Nigeria pursuing greater investment in AI, cloud computing and digital infrastructure, Switch Solutions said cybersecurity and data protection must remain central to the country’s strategy if the economic value generated by its digital transformation is to be protected and retained.
