Business
Cybersecurity in the era of AI
Cybersecurity in the era of AI
Colin Baumgart, CTO and Commercial Solutions Area Director at Microsoft South Africa
The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the relentless evolution of technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. In this dynamic environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal ally in the fight against cybercrime.
AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data at lightning speeds enables the identification of patterns and anomalies that may indicate a security breach, often before it occurs. This proactive stance is crucial in a time when reactive measures are no longer sufficient.
But in an era where digital threats are escalating in complexity and scale, we cannot just think about defending against cyber threats, we need to be advancing the way we design, build, test and operate our technology to meet the highest standards of security. It is why, we have created the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multi-year undertaking to safeguard our digital ecosystem.
It is an approach that is anchored in three fundamental principles: secure by design, secure by default, and secure operations, ensuring that security is not an afterthought but a foundational element of everything we create.
This commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond our own products. Through collaborations and partnerships, we are contributing to a broader security ecosystem, sharing threat intelligence and best practices. This collaborative effort is vital because cyber threats do not recognise boundaries and can ripple through networks, affecting countless users.
Recent cyber threats have shown a marked increase in both sophistication and frequency, posing significant challenges to cybersecurity defences worldwide.
A notable trend is the surge in mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology (OT) cyberattacks, which underscores the expanding threat landscape beyond traditional computing environments.
Our 2024 Digital Defense Report highlights an alarming rise in attacks, with incidents targeting customers globally, doubling to 600 million per day, revealing the growing collaboration between nation-state actors and cybercriminals.
Over 78 trillion security signals per day from the cloud, endpoints, software tools and our partner ecosystem inform our insights, and help us to understand and protect against digital threats and criminal cyberactivity.
Data breaches have also been rampant, with TechCrunch reporting over 1 billion stolen records in 2024 alone. These breaches have not only compromised personal information but have also emboldened criminals who profit from cyberattacks. As the threats evolve, so must the strategies to combat them, requiring a concerted effort from individuals, organisations, and governments alike.
According to Interpol’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2024, the rapid growth of cybercrime is further illustrated by the estimation that in 2023 there was a 23% year-on-year increase in the average number of weekly cyberattacks per organisation in Africa – this average was the highest in the world.
In this era of AI, we are all cyber-defenders. Despite this, 52% of employees still say their job has nothing to do with cybersecurity, according to The Phishing Benchmark Global Report.
There is a widespread recognition of the need to build a security culture to increase the understanding of security’s value to the business, as well as drive security awareness.
People, process and technology need to be in harmony – because businesses can have the most sophisticated technology and comprehensive processes in place to monitor, detect and respond to breaches, but if a person gives their password away or clicks on a phishing email, it becomes exponentially more difficult to protect the organisation.
Ultimately, it boils down to the fact that the individual user level is a person – and unless they have been trained to be security aware, they are capable of human error and are likely to remain the weakest link in the security chain.
Many organisations are investing in strengthening their employees’ cybersecurity knowledge and offer theoretical and practical training by carrying out spoof attacks, such as sending out phishing emails, evaluating who clicks on the links and then providing more in-depth training to plug identified gaps.
Employees are the first and last line of defence and it is why educating everyone on staying cybersafe is so important. It’s time to act now.
We recognise that the path to a secure future is paved with challenges and opportunities alike.
The same technology that empowers us can also empower adversaries. Cybercriminals are increasingly utilising AI to launch more sophisticated attacks, bypass traditional defences, and automate their malicious activities. This escalation necessitates a continuous evolution of our security strategies to stay ahead of these AI-generated threats.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between AI and human expertise becomes increasingly important. AI can handle the heavy lifting of data analysis, but human judgment is irreplaceable when it comes to nuanced decision-making. Organisations must foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, empowering their workforce to leverage AI effectively.
We must remain vigilant, adapting our defences to counteract the evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape. And as we navigate this shifting terrain, the synergy between AI and human intelligence will be the cornerstone of a resilient cybersecurity posture.
By embracing the transformative potential of AI while remaining cognisant of its risks, we are setting a new standard for digital defence—one that is robust, intelligent, and ever-evolving.
Our mission is clear: to secure our digital world, so that everyone, everywhere, can achieve more.
Business
FG Moves to End Used Vehicle Imports, Targets Auto Policy Passage in 2026
FG Moves to End Used Vehicle Imports, Targets Auto Policy Passage in 2026
The Federal Government has intensified moves to reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported used vehicles, signalling a decisive policy shift aimed at boosting local automobile production, improving vehicle quality and strengthening the country’s industrial base.
This position was reaffirmed in Lagos at the 18th edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, where the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said government strategies are now deliberately aligned to discourage the influx of used vehicles into the country.
Osanipin explained that the NADDC, working with relevant stakeholders, is tightening standards to ensure that only quality vehicles enter Nigeria, while government gradually phases out used vehicle imports in favour of locally assembled and manufactured alternatives.
According to him, a key instrument driving the new direction is the National Auto Industry Development Policy (NAIDP), which has remained pending for years but is now receiving renewed attention. He disclosed that the council is targeting the passage of the policy into law by the National Assembly by the second quarter of 2026.
“We are committed to strengthening local manufacturing in Nigeria. One of our major targets is to ensure the Auto Policy is enacted by the second quarter of 2026. We will soon forward it to the National Assembly and engage stakeholders extensively during the public hearing process,” Osanipin said.
He added that the campaign against imported used vehicles is further reinforced by the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Recycling Regulation introduced in March 2025.
The regulation, he noted, is designed to formalise vehicle recycling, promote a circular economy, enhance environmental protection and improve road safety, while also creating new employment opportunities.
The Federal Government’s efforts have also gained momentum following the approval of the Nigeria Industry Policy (NIP) by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), a move regarded as a critical foundation for the eventual enactment of the NAIDP.
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, who was represented by Osanipin, said the NIP provides a clear roadmap for Nigeria’s industrial development, with the automotive sector identified as a strategic priority.
“The Nigeria Industry Policy has been approved by the FEC and will guide the country’s industrial growth. The next major step is the enactment of the Auto Policy. These are deliberate actions to give the automotive sector the attention and priority it deserves,” he said.
Osanipin also praised NAJA for sustaining the annual auto awards, describing the initiative as a platform that fosters healthy competition, collaboration and growth within the automotive industry.
Industry analysts say that with the approval of the Nigeria Industry Policy and the renewed push for auto legislation, the Federal Government’s clampdown on imported used vehicles signals a clear commitment to building a sustainable and locally driven automotive industry in Nigeria.
Auto
Jetour Dashing Claims NAJA 2025 Car of the Year as Industry Stars Shine in Lagos (with photos)
Jetour Dashing Claims NAJA 2025 Car of the Year as Industry Stars Shine in Lagos (with photos)
Jetour Dashing has been named Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year by the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA), emerging tops after a closely fought assessment of leading vehicles competing in the market.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night at the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The tech-focused compact crossover SUV edged out strong rivals, including the Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo, to secure the industry’s most coveted title.
With the honour, Jetour Dashing joins an exclusive list of past winners such as the Changan CS55, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio, further affirming its growing acceptance among Nigerian consumers and industry stakeholders.
Beyond the Car of the Year category, the awards celebrated excellence across the automotive value chain. Mikano was named Auto Company of the Year, while Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility won Workshop of the Year.
Dangote Sinotruk clinched Heavy-Duty Truck Brand of the Year, Iron Products Industries (IPI) Ltd emerged Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year, Lanre Shittu Motors (JAC) won Truck Plant of the Year, and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) was named Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.
In the alternative energy segment, Saglev emerged EV Brand of the Year, while Jet Automobiles Ltd was recognised as CNG Vehicle Assembler of the Year. Massilia Motors (Mitsubishi) won Most Innovative Auto Company of the Year, and Suzuki by CFAO was named the Most Competitive Priced Brand of the Year.
Model-based awards saw the Mercedes-Benz S-Class win Luxury Car of the Year, Range Rover Autobiography (Coscharis Motors) clinch Luxury SUV of the Year, Kia Seltos take Compact SUV of the Year, and Changan CS55 (Mikano Motors) emerge Midsize SUV of the Year.
Toyota Hilux was named Pick-Up of the Year, Toyota Hiace won Minibus of the Year, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class emerged Most Popular Luxury Model of the Year.
Corporate resilience was also recognised, with Stallion Motors, R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Plc and ANAMMCO Ltd honoured as Resilient Auto Companies of the Year. Coscharis Motors won Multiple Brand Auto Company of the Year, CFAO Mobility emerged Most Enterprising Auto Company of the Year, and GUO Transport Ltd was named Transport Company of the Year.
Several brands were honoured as New Entrants of the Year, including New Era Automobile Services, JIM–ISUZU Pick-Up (Cedric Autos Ltd), JEGO EV, NORD A9 and Jetour X50, reflecting the increasing vibrancy of Nigeria’s auto market. NORD Automobiles also emerged Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year.
In aftersales and services, Carloha won both Auto Aftersales Company of the Year and Pre-owned Company of the Year, while Winpart clinched Auto Aftersales Service Provider of the Year (Parts & Workshop).
Individual honours featured prominently, with Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman/CEO of NORD Automobiles, named Auto Personality of the Year (Private Sector), while Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), won Auto Personality of the Year (Public Sector). Ifeanyi Agwu, Managing Director/CEO of BKG Exhibitions Ltd, was honoured as Auto Show Promoter of the Decade, and Sonu Singh of Stallion Motors emerged Marketing/Media Manager of the Year.
Speaking at the event, NADDC Director General Joseph Osanipin praised NAJA for sustaining a credible platform that promotes excellence, innovation and professionalism in the automotive industry, noting that auto journalists play a vital role in shaping public understanding and industry accountability.
In his welcome address, NAJA Chairman, Mr. Theodore Opara, described the awards as one of the sector’s most respected platforms, adding that the initiative has remained relevant over 18 years despite rapid technological and policy changes.
The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards once again underscored its role as a key benchmark for recognising progress, resilience and innovation within Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.
Business
Dangote–NMDPRA Conflict: House Launches Investigation to Stabilize Petrol Supply
Dangote–NMDPRA Conflict: House Launches Investigation to Stabilize Petrol Supply
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the ongoing dispute between Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, and Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The decision follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The motion was moved by Midala Balami, representing Askira Uba/Hawul federal constituency in Borno State, and unanimously adopted after a voice vote presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The dispute escalated after Dangote alleged in a newspaper advertisement that Ahmed spent about $5 million on the secondary education of his four children in Switzerland over six years, including tuition, airfare, and upkeep. The total claimed cost, according to Dangote, amounted to $4.8 million.
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Tensions between the billionaire industrialist and the NMDPRA CEO initially peaked in July 2024, when Ahmed claimed that local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, produce inferior fuel products compared with imports. Dangote denied the allegations and conducted tests on diesel from his refinery during an oversight visit by federal lawmakers.
Moving the motion, Balami warned that the unresolved feud could threaten domestic petrol supply, fuel pricing stability, and foreign exchange conservation. He emphasized Dangote’s critical role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
The House directed the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream) to investigate the dispute, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose actionable solutions within four weeks. Committee Chairman Ikenga Ugochinyere said the panel is prepared to address the matter and called for a media “ceasefire” between the parties to prevent further escalation.
The resolution underscores the legislature’s commitment to stabilizing Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, ensuring fair regulation, and mitigating conflicts affecting the energy sector.
Dangote–NMDPRA Conflict: House Launches Investigation to Stabilize Petrol Supply
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