Amanze ChinonyeThe United Kingdom has pledged deeper security cooperation with Nigeria to combat the surging wave of cybercrime, offering technical support and intelligence sharing to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, and citizens.
The move comes as Nigeria grapples with mounting digital vulnerabilities, losing an estimated ₦53.4 billion ($70 million) to cybercrime in 2024 alone, with phishing scams, identity theft, and ransomware among the most damaging threats.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAcross Africa, cyber incidents cost more than $3 billion between 2019 and 2025, according to Interpol, while Nigeria ranks among the worst-hit countries for ransomware, recording over 3,400 detections in 2024.
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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, said both nations have a mutual interest in protecting critical infrastructure, businesses, and citizens from criminal exploitation of digital systems.
“Cybersecurity is a global challenge, and stronger cooperation between our two countries will help protect citizens, critical infrastructure, and financial systems from criminal exploitation,” he said at a joint security forum in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, welcomed the pledge, stressing that enhanced collaboration with the UK would reinforce ongoing reforms to secure the country’s digital space. He noted that government efforts are already focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks, investing in digital forensics, and expanding training for cyber professionals.
The renewed partnership comes at a critical time for Nigeria, where ransomware, phishing, online scams, and coordinated disinformation campaigns continue to rise.
Security analysts say the collaboration with the UK could provide much-needed technical expertise and real-time intelligence to disrupt transnational cybercriminal networks and strengthen Nigeria’s digital resilience.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
