In a bid to fortify Nigeria’s digital space, the United Kingdom and Nigeria have partnered to establish a National Cybersecurity Architecture, aimed at addressing rising cyber threats and enhancing cyber resilience.
The partnership is being facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the UK/Nigeria Inward Cyber Trade Mission.
Speaking during a meeting with UK delegates on Monday in Abuja, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, said the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms driven by digital transformation.
Inuwa emphasized that NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 is designed to foster a digitally literate population and address cybersecurity challenges, adding that 95% of cyber breaches result from human errors.
“We need to educate both users and operators on cybersecurity, which is part of what we do, and we have a target of achieving 95% digital literacy level. Building cybersecurity expertise is key in safeguarding our digital space,” he said.
The DG revealed that NITDA is conducting research on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics, stressing that cybersecurity must evolve alongside technological advancements.
Mr. Mark Smithson, Country Director of the UK’s Department of Business and Trade (DBT), said the UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria in tackling cybersecurity challenges.
“Our partnership is more crucial than ever in ensuring a safe and resilient cyberspace for businesses, governments, and citizens alike,” Smithson said.
Other speakers, including Dr. Lawan Mohammed, Director of Cybersecurity at NITDA, and Mr. Ross Gill, emphasized the need for collaborative expertise to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, enhance threat intelligence, and build the capacity of cybersecurity experts.
The partnership is expected to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity infrastructure, protect critical data, and create a safer digital environment for all.
