The rapid digitalization of financial services has transformed the operations of Nigerian financial institutions, improving efficiency and innovation while increasing exposure to cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, data breaches, and financial fraud. To address these risks, Nigerian regulators have introduced legal and policy frameworks aimed at strengthening cybersecurity governance and encouraging the adoption of cybersecurity practices across the financial sector. This study examines the regulatory frameworks driving cybersecurity adoption in Nigerian financial institutions and assesses their role in enhancing cyber resilience and regulatory compliance. The study employs a qualitative doctrinal approach based on a review of relevant cybersecurity regulations, policy documents, academic literature, and industry reports published between 2020 and 2026. Key frameworks analyzed include the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Risk-Based Cybersecurity Framework and Guidelines, and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy. Institutional Theory provides the analytical lens for understanding how regulatory pressures influence organizational cybersecurity practices. The findings reveal that regulatory frameworks have significantly promoted cybersecurity adoption by strengthening governance structures, risk management processes, incident response capabilities, and data protection measures. However, challenges such as compliance costs, regulatory overlap, skills shortages, and evolving cyber threats continue to affect implementation. The study highlights the need for greater regulatory coordination and capacity building to sustain cybersecurity resilience in Nigeria’s financial sector.