The United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade has successfully concluded its Cybersecurity Inward Trade Mission to Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in strengthening cybersecurity ties between both nations.
The mission, which took place this week in Abuja and Lagos, brought together 13 UK cybersecurity experts and key stakeholders from Nigeria’s public and private sectors. Among those in attendance were representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, National Information Technology Development Agency, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Ministry of Interior, Nigeria Police Force and Central Securities Clearing System Plc. The engagement aimed to build capacity, promote UK cybersecurity solutions in Nigeria and foster trade relations in the digital security sector.
The event featured high-level discussions and engagements between UK and Nigerian stakeholders, providing an opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity partnerships and explore potential collaborations. UK experts showcased cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, demonstrating their capabilities in addressing Nigeria’s specific cybersecurity challenges. The platform also facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions and capacity-building initiatives, equipping Nigerian stakeholders with strategies to enhance cybersecurity preparedness and response mechanisms.
In Lagos, the Cybersecurity Solutions Summit convened top executives, security leaders, and global innovators for a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions designed to address industry-specific cybersecurity concerns. Discussions focused on actionable insights and strategic collaborations that could bolster Nigeria’s cyber defenses and promote a safer digital ecosystem.
Speaking on the trade mission, the UK’s Country Director for International Trade, Mark Smithson, emphasised the significance of the UK-Nigeria partnership in cybersecurity. He highlighted how the mission underscored the UK’s world-class expertise while fostering collaborations that align with Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts. He reiterated that the engagement would contribute to innovation, resilience, and economic growth, ultimately ensuring a more secure and prosperous digital future for both nations.
The National Cybersecurity Coordinator at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abubakar Ahmad Saad, described the partnership between Nigeria and the UK as highly productive and mutually beneficial. He noted that through intelligence sharing, knowledge exchange, capacity building and strategic collaboration, both nations had significantly strengthened their collective resilience against evolving cyber threats. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening this engagement, leveraging shared expertise to enhance cybersecurity governance, combat cybercrime and secure the country’s digital ecosystem.
Also commenting on the initiative, the managing director of Central Securities Clearing System Plc Haruna Jalo-Waziri, stressed the importance of cybersecurity in an era of rapid digital transformation. He pointed out that cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of economic stability, national security and global interconnectedness. He emphasised that just as cybercriminals collaborate to exploit digital vulnerabilities, governments and private sector players must work together to stay ahead of emerging threats. He commended the UK and Nigerian governments for their efforts in securing the country’s digital future through the Cybersecurity Cooperation Agreement. He added that the partnership would accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward a thriving digital economy, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to cybersecurity.
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity growth and development. Officials expressed optimism about the future of the UK-Nigeria cybersecurity partnership and looked forward to continued collaboration in strengthening digital security frameworks and promoting technological innovation.
