UK companions with Nigeria to deal with cybersecurity threats 

The UK is leveraging its experience to associate with Nigeria in tackling cybersecurity threats and addressing rising digital challenges affecting each nations.

Nation Director for the UK’s Division for Enterprise and Commerce (DBT) in Nigeria, Mark Smithson, highlighted this dedication following a stakeholders’ roundtable organized by the British Excessive Fee.

Smithson emphasised that public-private partnerships are very important in combating cyber threats, alongside steady schooling and coaching for cybersecurity professionals.

“The roundtable underscored the significance of collaboration and data sharing in making a synergized strategy to addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges,” Smithson mentioned.

Outcomes of the Roundtable 

Key outcomes of the dialogue included the necessity to develop efficient methods in opposition to cybercrime, promote cybersecurity consciousness, and set up a platform for steady collaboration amongst stakeholders from numerous sectors.

• The roundtable additionally aimed to establish essential gaps in cybersecurity infrastructure throughout regulatory, provide, and demand sides.

• In keeping with Smithson, it will inform future methods and insurance policies whereas enhancing entry to cutting-edge cybersecurity options.

Talking on the assembly the Director Common of the Nationwide Data Know-how Growth Company (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasised the shared duty of cybersecurity.

“Collectively, we should take proactive steps to safeguard our digital sovereignty, defend essential info property, and construct a resilient, safe future for all,” he mentioned.

Extra insights from stakeholders 

CEO of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), Haruna Jalo-Waziri,  highlighted the sophistication and pervasiveness of cyber threats:

“Companies in Nigeria face an alarming quantity of assaults, significantly within the monetary providers sector. Addressing these threats requires a safety tradition rooted in steady schooling and consciousness.” 

• He confused that no group can fight cyber threats in isolation, calling for cross-industry partnerships and collective efforts to safe Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

• CEO of Nigerian Trade Restricted, Jude Chiemeka, famous the financial dangers posed by cybersecurity threats, which may derail Nigeria’s aspirations of turning into Africa’s digital powerhouse.

• In keeping with him, in 2021, Nigerian banks misplaced N14.65 billion to digital fraud, a staggering 187% enhance from 2020. Chiemeka known as for pressing measures to mitigate these dangers.

What it is best to know

The Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable marks a vital step in direction of a safer digital future for the nation.

It was supported by the UK’s Division for Enterprise and Commerce (DBT), and applied by the Know-how for Social Change and Growth Initiative (Tech4Dev), in partnership with the Workplace of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nationwide Data Know-how Growth Company (NITDA), the Nigeria Trade Restricted (NGX), Nationwide Knowledge Safety Fee (NDPC), and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS).