Abdul-Hakeem B. D. Ajijola (AhA) stands as a globally acclaimed cybersecurity expert, with a profound influence across Africa and the Global South. His extensive experience working with four Nigerian National Security Advisers underscores his pivotal role in developing and enhancing national and international defence and security frameworks. From spearheading Nigeria’s cybersecurity policies to amplifying Africa’s voice in global forums, AhA’s visionary contributions have strengthened digital defence ecosystems and propelled strategic cybersecurity advancements on a global scale.

Key Leadership Roles and Impactful Contributions

1. Top Global Cybersecurity Influencer (2020): Ranked #1 by IFSEC Global, AhA has consistently shaped cybersecurity strategies and fostered alliances worldwide.
2. Chair, African Union Cyber Security Expert Group: Spearheaded the African Digital Compact, championing Africa’s unified cybersecurity agenda and influencing UN negotiations on global cybersecurity norms.
3. Founding Member, OIC-CERT (2006) and established the OIC-CERT Global Prize, setting international standards for cybersecurity across the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation members.
4. Global Forum on Cyber Expertise: As Founding Chair of Working Group B, he advanced critical frameworks in Cyber Incident Management and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection for military and civilian resilience.
5. Nigerian Cybersecurity Architect: Led the review of Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, securing critical data and infrastructure. He also chaired the NDPC Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan Committee.
6. Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace: Defined norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, aligning them with military and national security imperatives.
7. Fellow, Nigerian Computer Society: Strengthened Nigeria’s cybersecurity profession as a Lead Facilitator, empowering a new generation of experts.
8. Member, 2001 Nigeria National IT Policy Drafting Committee: Contributed to foundational frameworks shaping Nigeria’s ICT landscape.

AhA envisions cybersecurity as a foundation for national security, economic resilience, and public trust. He integrates Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies with defence strategies, enabling nations to confront current and future digital threats with precision. His strategic foresight has been pivotal in the digital transformation of the Global South.

Consulting Roles and Global Representation – AhA provides consulting expertise to esteemed organisations, including:

1. United Nations: Cybercrime and cyber diplomacy committees in New York.
2. Forum Einstein, Switzerland; ASEAN Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Singapore.
3. African Union Commission, ECOWAS, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, and National Defence College.

Select Experience and Contributions

1. Co-Drafter, African Continental Cybersecurity Strategy (Ongoing): Enhancing governance, cooperation, and capacity-building across Africa for digital security.
2. Co-Drafter, African Digital Compact: Positioned Africa’s interests in the UN Global Digital Compact negotiations.
3. Author, AU Commission Cybersecurity Landscape in Africa Report.
4. Supervisory Consultant, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority: Managed EMPIC software integration for enhanced aviation security.
5. Lead Consultant, NIMS Privacy & Security Audit: Strengthened the resilience of Nigeria’s national ID system against security threats.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

1. Harvard University: Certifications in Data Privacy and Technology and Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.
2. Cybersecurity Malaysia: Certified in Cybersecurity Capacity and Capability Building.
3. Digital Intelligence, USA: Digital Forensics Certification with Forensics Recovery Evidence Device (FRED).
4. MIS Training Institute, Massachusetts: Certifications in Incident Response and Information Warfare.
5. Oklahoma State University: B.Sc. in Computer Applications in Geography.

AhA chairs Consultancy Support Services (CS2) Ltd. and serves as a Board Member of Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN) Nigeria Limited. He also leads the Nigeria Computer Society Cybersecurity Advisory Group, anchoring Nigeria’s cybersecurity policies and advancing a defence-ready digital future.

Abdul-Hakeem B. D. Ajijola is a visionary leader in cybersecurity, combining strategic foresight, technical expertise, and global influence. His work continues to shape secure, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystems for military and civilian frameworks, driving Africa and the Global South towards a robust and sustainable cybersecurity posture.