The United Kingdom has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat the growing threat of cybersecurity breaches. This commitment was highlighted at the Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable, held on Wednesday, with the backing of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade.
The roundtable brought together top cybersecurity and technology experts from various sectors to discuss actionable solutions to Nigeria’s evolving digital security challenges.
Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, emphasized the UK’s readiness to collaborate. “As a global leader in cybersecurity innovation, the UK is uniquely positioned to partner with Nigeria to tackle emerging threats and raise awareness about cybersecurity challenges affecting both our nations,” he said.
Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), underscored the collective responsibility required to safeguard Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. “Cybersecurity demands coordinated action at every level. Together, we must protect our critical information assets and build a secure digital future for all,” Abdullahi stated.
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Securities Clearing System Plc, noted the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, particularly in Nigeria’s financial sector. He highlighted the urgent need for a culture of cybersecurity rooted in education, awareness, and partnerships.
“Businesses in Nigeria face an alarming volume of cyberattacks, especially in financial services. Addressing these threats requires coordinated cross-industry efforts and a collective commitment to safeguarding our digital future,” Jalo-Waziri said.
Jude Chiemeka, CEO of Nigerian Exchange Limited, added that robust cybersecurity frameworks are critical for Nigeria’s economic growth and investor confidence. He pointed to the significant economic impact of cybercrime, citing the N14.65 billion ($33 million) lost to electronic fraud in 2021—a staggering 187% increase from the previous year.
“Cybersecurity threats pose serious risks that could undermine Nigeria’s vision as Africa’s digital powerhouse,” Chiemeka warned, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures.
The roundtable highlighted the role of collaboration, public-private partnerships, and continuous education in combating cyber threats. Key outcomes included:
• Establishing a platform for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
• Enhancing cybersecurity practices by addressing challenges across regulatory, supply, and demand sectors.
• Promoting state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions tailored to Nigeria’s needs.
• Raising cybersecurity awareness among individuals and organizations.
The discussions aimed to foster a synergized approach to combating cybercrime, leveraging expertise to develop effective policies and strategies. The event concluded with a call for action to secure Nigeria’s digital future through unified and sustained efforts.
