Nigeria and the United Kingdom have pledged to enhance cooperation to tackle rising cybercrime, marking a significant step in their broader strategic partnership.
The commitment was announced during a high-level roundtable in Abuja, focusing on strategies to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity and digital resilience.
The roundtable, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, gathered cybersecurity experts and industry leaders from both nations. Leading the discussions, Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), underscored the importance of fortifying Nigeria’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Inuwa highlighted that resilience in cybersecurity is essential not only for national security but also for driving economic growth.
Inuwa stated that the initiative aims to foster collaboration between Nigerian and UK businesses, which would enhance Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework and create new opportunities for economic expansion.
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James Carroll, the British High Commission’s Cyber Lead for West Africa, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to digital education and cybersecurity career development. Speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and the Digital Economy—with sponsorship from Galaxy Backbone and the World Bank—Carroll outlined the UK’s approach to cybersecurity.
“The UK’s strategy is focused on empowering our young, tech-savvy population by teaching digital skills, promoting cybersecurity careers, and building a digital pipeline,” Carroll said. “With its vibrant youth demographic, Nigeria can implement similar strategies to improve digital literacy, nurture tech enthusiasm, and foster cybersecurity awareness.”
This partnership represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s digital future, with both countries aiming to create a secure cyberspace that supports economic innovation and safeguards against cyber threats.