The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has successfully concluded its Cybersecurity Inward Trade Mission to Nigeria, marking a significant step towards strengthening cybersecurity ties between our two great nations.
The mission, which took place this week in Abuja and Lagos, brought together 13 UK cybersecurity experts and key stakeholders from the Nigerian public and private sectors, including 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, Central Securities Clearing System Plc, etc., to build capacity, promote UK cybersecurity solutions in Nigeria and foster trade relations.
Key Highlights from the Trade Mission included meaningful discussions and engagements between UK and Nigerian stakeholders to strengthen Cybersecurity Partnerships, and pave the way for potential collaborations; showcasing their cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, demonstrating their capabilities in addressing Nigeria’s specific cybersecurity challenges as well as creating the platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, enabling Nigerian stakeholders to enhance their cybersecurity preparedness and response.
In Lagos, the Cybersecurity Solutions Summit brought together private sector, top executives, security leaders, and global innovators for a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions designed to address industry-specific cybersecurity challenges with an emphasis on actionable insights and strategic collaboration.
Speaking on the Cybersecurity Trade Mission, Mark Smithson,the country director for the UK’s Department for International Trade, said:
“”The UK and Nigeria share a strong partnership in cybersecurity, driving innovation, resilience, and economic growth. This trade mission highlights the UK’s world-class expertise while fostering collaborations that support Nigeria’s digital transformation. Together, we are building a safer and more prosperous digital future for both our nations.”
Abubakar Ahmad Saad, the National Cybersecurity Coordinator at the Office of the National Security Adviser, said:
“Our partnership with the UK on cybersecurity, cyber diplomacy and the fight against cybercrime has been highly productive and mutually rewarding. Through intelligence sharing, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and strategic collaboration, we have strengthened our collective resilience against evolving threats. We remain committed to deepening this engagement, leveraging our shared expertise to enhance cybersecurity governance, combat cybercrime, and secure our digital ecosystem for the benefit of both nations.”
Also Speaking, the Haruna Jalo-Waziri, managing director/CEO Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), said:
“In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of economic stability, national security, and global interconnectedness. Therefore, just like cybercriminals collaborate, governments and the private sector must collaborate to stay ahead of emerging threats. I applaud the efforts of the UK and Nigerian governments aimed at securing our digital future through the Cybersecurity Cooperation Agreement. This collaboration will push Nigeria towards a thriving digital economy. At CSCS, we remain steadfast in our commitment to cybersecurity, working alongside stakeholders to build a more secure and resilient financial ecosystem.”
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade is committed to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity growth and development and looks forward to a continued fruitful partnership.
