UNITED Kingdom government has offered support to Nigeria in tackling cybersecurity challenges.

This was at the Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable organised with support from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) attended by key stakeholders from government and private sector held in Abuja and Lagos.

  Top cybersecurity and tech experts from diverse sectors were present to engage in critical deliberations on current and emerging digital security issues. The critical role of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges was also emphasised.

  The need for information sharing and fostering a synergised approach to addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges was also highlighted.

  The event established a platform for continuous collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders from various sectors to enhance cybersecurity practices, while stating the importance of creating a platform that enables demand and supply side actors to have visibility and access to state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions that benefit all.

  Commenting, Country Director, UK’s DBT in Nigeria, Mark Smithson reiterated that as a recognised global leader in cyber security 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.    

  Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said, “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”
  Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, emphasised that cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, diverse, and pervasive.   

“Here in Nigeria, businesses face an alarming volume of attacks, with financial services being particularly vulnerable. Addressing these emerging threats demands a security culture rooted in continuous education and awareness. Cybersecurity is not a challenge any organisation can tackle in isolation; it requires coordinated efforts, cross-industry partnerships, and a collective commitment to protecting our digital future,” he added.

  Also speaking on the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka stressed that such measures are essential to unlock growth potential and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital future.

  He stated that cybersecurity threats present a serious economic risk that could undermine Nigeria’s vision as Africa’s digital powerhouse, while  highlighting the concerning impact on Nigerian banks, which lost ₦14.65 billion ($33 million) to electronic fraud in 2021, a 187 per cent increase from the previous year,” he added.