Lagos, 07 March 2025 – 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 the two countries.
The list of UK cybersecurity delegates included: Espanaro, Genese Solution Limited, Cyber Chain Alliance, GIOSEC Limited, Cybernitics, Mogor Consulting, International Data Flow, and Techinnovate Group / Tech Innovate Cyber.
The mission, which took place this week in Abuja and Lagos, brought together a total of 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.
This, against a backdrop of Nigeria’s vibrant digital ecosystem, fueled by over 100 million internet users and a rapidly growing tech sector, which positions it as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. However, its significant digital footprint also exposes it to cyber threats, with the country ranking 7th globally for mobile malware attacks in 2023 and 86% of organizations reporting public cloud cyber-attacks in 2019 – the second highest globally.
Key highlights from the Trade Mission decidedly 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.
Speaking on the Cybersecurity Trade Mission, the Country Director for the UK’s Department for International Trade, Mark Smithson 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.
The National Cybersecurity Coordinator at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abubakar Ahmad Saad, 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 Managing Director/CEO Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Haruna Jalo-Waziri, added:
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.
With its large market size and increasing adoption of digital technologies across sectors, Nigeria presents immense opportunities for providers of cybersecurity solutions, critical infrastructure, and policy development support to ensure resilience, growth, and sustainability in its digital economy.
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has said it is committed to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity growth and development and looks forward to a continued fruitful partnership.
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