UK, Nigeria Join Forces To Combat Growing Cybersecurity Threats

QAbuja & Lagos, Nigeria – A major cybersecurity stakeholder roundtable, held recently in Abuja and Lagos, has highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action to address Nigeria’s escalating cybersecurity challenges.

Backed by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the event brought together government officials, private sector leaders, and cybersecurity experts to forge a path towards a more secure digital future for the nation.

The roundtable, organized by Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev) in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX), the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), focused on fostering a synergistic approach to tackling the complex issue.

Discussions centred on the critical need for information sharing and public-private partnerships to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Participants emphasized the importance of:

Collaborative Action: A unified approach leveraging the expertise of all stakeholders to develop effective cybersecurity strategies.

Continuous Learning: Investing in ongoing education and training for cybersecurity professionals to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Effective Strategies: Developing and implementing robust strategies to combat cybercrime and minimize its impact.

Public Awareness: Raising cybersecurity awareness among individuals and organisations to promote better security practices.

Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK’s DBT in Nigeria, highlighted the UK’s role as a global cybersecurity leader and its commitment to partnering with Nigeria to address shared threats.

He emphasised the UK’s unique position to provide support and expertise in navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, stressed that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action at all levels to protect Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and critical information assets.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by Haruna Jalo-Waziri, CEO of CSCS Plc, who noted the alarming rise in cyberattacks targeting Nigerian businesses, particularly in the financial services sector.

He cited the staggering ₦14.65 billion ($33 million) lost to electronic fraud in 2021, a 187% increase from the previous year, as evidence of the urgent need for action.

He praised the collaborative nature of the roundtable, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives beyond designated awareness months.

Jude Chiemeka, CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Limited, further emphasized the economic risks posed by cybersecurity threats, stressing the need for robust frameworks to unlock growth potential and restore investor confidence.

He warned that these threats could undermine Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s digital powerhouse.

The Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable represents a significant step forward in bolstering Nigeria’s cybersecurity defences.

The collaborative spirit and commitment demonstrated by all participants offer hope for a more secure and prosperous digital future for the nation.