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Nigeria is set to collaborate with the United Kingdom on developing a resilient national cybersecurity architecture, a move aimed at fortifying the country’s digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.
The strategic partnership will be driven by the UK/Nigeria Inward Cyber Trade Mission, facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Speaking at a meeting with UK delegates in Abuja, NITDA’s director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to economic transformation through digitalisation. He noted that cybersecurity is a critical component of this agenda and outlined how NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 is designed to enhance national cybersecurity resilience by fostering a digitally literate population.
The Federal Government, Abdullahi explained, is focused on embedding cybersecurity measures across all sectors. He highlighted that 95 per cent of cyber breaches result from human errors, making cybersecurity awareness and education a top priority.
“We need to educate both users and operators on cybersecurity, which is part of our mandate. Our target is to achieve 95 percent digital literacy, ensuring that people are equipped with the knowledge to safeguard Nigeria’s digital space,” he said.
To achieve this goal, NITDA is investing in cybersecurity training and expertise development, with a particular focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, robotics and additive manufacturing. Abdullahi noted that as technology evolves, so must cybersecurity measures, stating, “We need to rethink how we talk about cybersecurity and how we secure the systems we are building.”
He pointed out that AI, which previously posed minimal security concerns, now requires explainability and responsible use to prevent potential misuse. Cybersecurity, he added, is a global challenge, and addressing it requires international collaboration and a coordinated approach to cyber diplomacy.
As part of its strategy, Nigeria is working with international partners and local businesses to develop cybersecurity systems tailored to the country’s unique digital landscape. Abdullahi emphasised that collaborations with foreign experts and technology firms will ensure Nigeria stays ahead of emerging cyber threats.
In response, country director for the UK’s Department of Business and Trade (DBT), Mark Smithson reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts. He revealed that the trade relationship between Nigeria and the UK is valued at £7.5 billion and both countries are committed to strengthening their partnership, particularly in digital security.
“The UK remains firmly committed to supporting Nigeria in tackling cybersecurity challenges and harnessing digital opportunities. As global threats evolve, our partnership is more crucial than ever in ensuring a safe and resilient cyberspace for businesses, governments and citizens alike,” Smithson said.
He noted that the UK brings world-class expertise in cybersecurity, spanning cutting-edge technology, cyber resilience, threat intelligence and innovation. Through this partnership, he said, the UK hopes to expand cooperation, share knowledge, deepen bilateral trade and contribute to building a secure digital future together.
Further discussions during the meeting centered on the need for expertise collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework. NITDA’s director of cybersecurity, Dr. Lawan Mohammed and Mr. Ross Gill, a UK cybersecurity expert, emphasised the importance of a structured approach to building a strong cybersecurity infrastructure.
They pointed out that Nigeria currently has only 8,300 trained cybersecurity professionals, which is insufficient to combat the increasing volume of cyber threats nationwide. The country, they stressed, needs to invest in capacity-building initiatives to develop a robust cybersecurity workforce.
Other key areas requiring urgent intervention include: developing advanced threat intelligence capabilities, identifying and addressing system vulnerabilities, preserving public key infrastructure (PKI) for secure digital communications and strengthening Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Architecture.
Speakers at the event acknowledged that cyber threats are increasing globally and cross-border collaboration is essential in mitigating risks. By sharing expertise, best practices and adopting global cybersecurity standards, Nigeria and the UK aim to build a resilient digital ecosystem that ensures secure digital transactions, protects sensitive data and prevents cybercrime.
This strategic partnership underscores the Nigerian government’s recognition that cybersecurity is fundamental to economic growth, digital transformation and national security. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the collaboration with the UK is expected to play a crucial role in fortifying Nigeria’s cyber defenses and creating a safer digital environment for all.
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