UK partners with Nigeria to address cybersecurity threats 

Country Director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Nigeria, Mark Smithson, highlighted this commitment following a stakeholders’ roundtable organized by the British High Commission.

Smithson emphasized that public-private partnerships are vital in combating cyber threats, alongside continuous education and training for cybersecurity professionals.

“The roundtable underscored the importance of collaboration and information sharing in creating a synergized approach to addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges,” Smithson said.

Key outcomes of the discussion included the need to develop effective strategies against cybercrime, promote cybersecurity awareness, and establish a platform for continuous collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors.

Speaking at the meeting the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the shared responsibility of cybersecurity.

“Together, we must take proactive steps to safeguard our digital sovereignty, protect critical information assets, and build a resilient, secure future for all,” he said.

CEO of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), Haruna Jalo-Waziri,  highlighted the sophistication and pervasiveness of cyber threats:

“Businesses in Nigeria face an alarming volume of attacks, particularly in the financial services sector. Addressing these threats requires a security culture rooted in continuous education and awareness.” 

The Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable marks a crucial step towards a more secure digital future for the nation.

It was supported by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and implemented by the 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), National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS).