June 4, 2026 In Newsroom By WACSI
Twenty-Three Nigerian CSOs Strengthen Capacity in Digital Security Under CSR-Hub
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[ Abuja, Nigeria – 10 May 2026] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), under the auspices of its Civic Space Resource for CSOs in West Africa (CSR-Hub West Africa) project, convened 23 civil society organisations (CSOs) from Abuja, Kwara, Plateau, and Kaduna for a three-day training on Digital Security and Protection held in Abuja from 4th to 6th May 2026. The training brought together CSO leaders working across different thematic areas to strengthen their capacity on digital safety, data protection, organisational resilience, and technology governance for effective operations and safe activism.
For many participants, the experience was more than a training workshop. It was a space for reflection on the realities organisations face in a rapidly evolving digital environment where advocacy work, sensitive data, and online communication can easily become targets of cyber threats.
According to Abubakar Jaafar, Programme M&E Officer at Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, the training provided important insights into the growing risks associated with digital communication and organisational data management.
“The internet has become a major part of our daily operations and interactions within the office. One important thing I learned from the training is that security on the internet is never 100 per cent guaranteed. There are many malicious actors online, and we need to pay attention to issues such as social engineering, how people interact with us online, and how we protect our documents, processes, and organisational information. The training has been very impactful for me both personally and professionally.”
Over the three days of training, participants explored the realities of today’s digital threat landscape and the different forms cyber risks can take for CSOs, grassroots organisations, and social movements. Sessions examined threats posed by cybercriminals, insider attacks, hacktivists, and state-sponsored actors, while also highlighting how simple human errors can expose organisations to significant vulnerabilities.
The workshop activities also moved beyond theory into practical learning. Through group exercises and interactive activities, participants learned how to identify phishing attempts, detect suspicious URLs, manage passwords securely, and protect sensitive organisational data. Real-life scenarios helped participants understand how cyberattacks are often designed to exploit trust, urgency, and human behaviour.
Participants were also introduced to core cybersecurity principles such as Zero Trust, Least Privilege, and the Assume Breach approach, all aimed at helping organisations reduce exposure and strengthen internal systems. Sessions on malware awareness exposed participants to threats such as ransomware, spyware, trojans, and keyloggers, while practical demonstrations showed how tools like firewalls, antivirus software, encrypted messaging platforms, and VPNs can help organisations improve digital protection.
Beyond online safety, participants also garnered skills central to organisational preparedness and digital resilience. Practical engagement on incident response planning allowed participants to understand the steps organisations should take before, during, and after a cyber incident – from preparation and containment to recovery and lessons learned. Additional sessions focused on organisational resilience and continuity planning, including practical approaches to responding to cyber incidents, restoring operations after disruptions, protecting physical workspaces and sensitive documents, and ensuring secure day-to-day operations.
One of the most engaging moments of the training came during the simulation exercises, where participants worked in groups to respond to mock cyberattack scenarios. The exercise encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and practical application of the lessons learned over the three days.
The training also created opportunities for peer learning and networking among organisations facing similar operational realities. Participants shared experiences from their respective organisations and reflected on the importance of building systems that can withstand both digital and operational disruptions.
At the end of the workshop, participants expressed appreciation for the practical nature of the sessions and the relevance of the knowledge shared. Many described the training as timely, particularly at a period when civil society organisations are increasingly dependent on digital tools for advocacy, communication, and programme delivery.
Barr. Nweke Ogadinma, Programme Officer at Africa Law Foundation, noted that the workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of information verification and digital protection practices.
“The training has really opened my eyes to the importance of digital security. We should not trust every message or source we receive online without verification. Whether on our phones or computers, we must be careful about the information we share both personally and at the organisational level. It is important to always protect sensitive information because you never know who may be trying to access or monitor your data. The training brought together a total of 23 participants representing 23 civil society and grassroots organisations.
FCT, Abuja – 14 participants
Kaduna – 5 participants
Kwara – 3 Participants
Plateau- 1 participants
Participating organisations include;
- Humanitarian Hub for Community Impact Affinity
- Advocates for the Promotion of Digital Rights and Civic Interactions Initiative
- Center for Inclusive Social Development
- International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria)
- African Law Foundation
- Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education
- NAF Foundation for Young Women
- Stand With A Girl Initiative (SWAG)
- Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI)
- Africa Policy Research Institute
- Sustainable Development Initiative
- Invictus Africa
- Poverty Alleviation Network & Self-Dependence Initiative
- Women Against Violence and Expediency Handling Initiative
- Akkehyana Sustainable Development Initiative
- Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation
- Edge Hope Builders for Youth and Women Initiative
- Saving Africa Youth Dreams Initiative
- Graceland Community Development Foundation
- Amplify Youth Initiative
- Centre for the Advocacy of Justice and Rights
- Advocacy for Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
- Women Aware of Rights Initiative (WAR)
Through the CSR-Hub project, West Africa Civil Society Institute continues to support civil society organisations with the tools needed to remain resilient, secure, and sustainable as they respond to civic space threats across West Africa.
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