The United Kingdom has pledged its support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat the growing cybersecurity challenges. It highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling these issues, emphasizing the need for a unified approach and leveraging the collective expertise of all stakeholders involved.
Key government and private sector stakeholders recently convened in Abuja and Lagos for the Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable, organized with support from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The event focused on practical solutions to tackle Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges.
The roundtable brought together leading cybersecurity and tech experts from various sectors to discuss pressing digital security issues. The discussions underscored the vital role of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity concerns.
Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Nigeria, commented: “As a recognized global leader in cybersecurity innovation across a range of applications, the UK is uniquely placed to partner with Nigeria to raise awareness and tackle emerging threats and cybersecurity challenges affecting our two countries.”
Speaking at the event, Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, emphasized, “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action at every level. Together, we must take proactive steps to safeguard our digital sovereignty, protect our critical information assets, and build a resilient, secure future for all.” He also highlighted the growing sophistication and diversity of cyber threats.
Jude Chiemeka, CEO of Nigerian Exchange Limited, highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks, stressing that such measures are vital for unlocking growth potential and restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital future.
He stated “Cybersecurity threats present a serious economic risk that could undermine Nigeria’s vision as Africa’s digital powerhouse,” he said, highlighting the concerning impact on Nigerian banks, which lost N14.65bn ($33m) to electronic fraud in 2021 – a 187 per cent increase from the previous year.”
The roundtable emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing cyber threats, the need for continuous education and training for cybersecurity professionals, the development of effective strategies to combat cybercrime, and the promotion of cybersecurity awareness among individuals and organizations.
