The United Kingdom and Nigeria are set to establish a National Cybersecurity Architecture as part of efforts to strengthen digital security. The initiative will be facilitated through the UK/Nigeria Inward Cyber Trade Mission, coordinated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
At a meeting with UK delegates in Abuja on Monday, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms driven by digital transformation. Inuwa highlighted the role of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 in enhancing Nigeria’s digital security and ensuring citizens are well-informed about cybersecurity risks.
He noted that 95 percent of cyber breaches result from human errors, emphasizing the need for digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness. He stressed that the government was committed to embedding cybersecurity measures across various sectors and training personnel to safeguard Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The NITDA boss also disclosed ongoing research into emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, robotics, and additive manufacturing. He underscored the need to continuously evolve cybersecurity strategies as technology advances.
Inuwa pointed out that AI, which previously posed little risk, now required careful regulation to prevent misuse. He called for a global approach to cybersecurity, advocating for strategic partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s cyber resilience.
Mark Smithson, the Country Director of the UK’s Department of Business and Trade (DBT), affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling cybersecurity challenges. He noted that bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at £7.5 billion and emphasized the importance of cyber resilience for businesses, governments, and citizens. He expressed confidence that the UK’s expertise in cybersecurity, ranging from cutting-edge technology to capacity-building initiatives, would contribute to Nigeria’s digital security.
Other speakers, including NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Dr. Lawan Mohammed, and UK cybersecurity expert Ross Gill, stressed the need for collaborative expertise in developing Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework. They highlighted the current shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria, with only 8,300 experts available to combat growing cyber threats.
They also discussed the importance of strengthening threat intelligence, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing a resilient National Cybersecurity Architecture through international partnerships.