Janefrances Chibuzor
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has successfully concluded its Cybersecurity Inward Trade Mission to Nigeria, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in the fight against cyber threats. Held in Abuja and Lagos, the mission brought together 13 leading UK cybersecurity firms and Nigerian stakeholders to explore strategies for enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, build capacity, and promote digital transformation in Nigeria.
The mission emphasised the need for greater collaboration between UK cybersecurity experts and Nigerian governmental and private sector leaders. With experts from Nigerian bodies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, the event focused on sharing actionable insights and building capacity to tackle the country’s growing cybersecurity challenges.
As one of Africa’s largest digital economies, Nigeria’s vast internet user base and rapidly growing tech sector face increasing cyber threats. The mission offered UK firms a platform to showcase their cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and discuss how they can address specific local threats, such as mobile malware attacks and cloud-based cyber risks.
Both the UK and Nigerian governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cybersecurity collaboration. Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK’s Department for International Trade, highlighted the shared goal of ensuring a safer digital future. In Nigeria, officials like Abubakar Ahmad Saad, National Cybersecurity Coordinator, reiterated the productive partnership that has already yielded positive outcomes, particularly in intelligence sharing and cybercrime prevention.
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director of the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), highlighted the increasing importance of cybersecurity in maintaining economic stability. He applauded both governments’ efforts to create a more secure digital ecosystem, which will be crucial for Nigeria’s continued economic growth in the digital age.
The mission has paved way for future strategic collaborations between the UK and Nigeria. With cybersecurity emerging as a pillar of national security and economic resilience, the UK Department for Business and Trade looks forward to expanding partnerships with Nigerian stakeholders to continue advancing the country’s digital transformation.
This trade mission represents a significant milestone in the growing cybersecurity partnership between the UK and Nigeria. As both nations continue to face evolving cyber threats, the continued exchange of knowledge, expertise, and solutions will play a pivotal role in safeguarding their digital economies and ensuring a more secure digital future for all.
