UK supports stakeholder roundtable on addressing cybersecurity challenges in Nigeria

*The UK Government discloses the recent Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable on addressing cybersecurity challenges emphasises the importance of Public-Private Partnerships in combating cyberthreats, continuous education and training for cybersecurity professionals, and promotion of cybersecurity awareness among individuals and organisations

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Key stakeholders from the Nigerian Government and the private sector recently gathered in Abuja, FCT, and Lagos, at the Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable, organised with support from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to discuss practical steps to address the country’s cybersecurity challenges.

ConsumerConnect reports the Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable with the theme, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Landscape”, held in Abuja, FCT, marks a crucial step towards a more secure digital future for the West African country.

The programme is being implemented by Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX), National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS).

The stakeholder engagement attracted top cybersecurity and technology experts from diverse sectors to engage in critical deliberations on current and emerging digital security issues.

The roundtable also emphasised the critical role of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges.

The forum equally stressed the critical role of collaboration and information sharing in addressing cybersecurity challenges in the West African country.

Major objectives of stakeholder engagement

Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer and Communications Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office/British Deputy High Commission, in Lagos Thursday, November 21, 2024, stated among other objectives, the roundtable was designed to foster a synergised approach to addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges, leveraging the collective expertise of participants.

The statement also said the stakeholder engagement would establish a platform for continuous collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders from various sectors to enhance cybersecurity practices.

It is also to identify and assess cross-cutting needs and challenges across regulatory, supply, and demand sides, to inform future cybersecurity strategies and policies.

Eze further said the roundtable is to create a platform that enables demand and supply side actors to have visibility and access to state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions that benefit all.

According to the UK Government, major takeaways from the roundtable include the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in combating cyberthreats, the need for continuous education and training for cybersecurity professionals, the development of effective strategies to combat cybercrime and the promotion of cybersecurity awareness among individuals and organisations.

Commenting on the roundtable, Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK Department for Business and Trade, in Nigeria, said: “As a recognised global leader in cyber security innovation across a range of applications, the UK is uniquely placed to partner with Nigeria to raise awareness and tackle emerging threats and cybersecurity challenges affecting our two countries.”

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, says NITDA CEO

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated: “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action at every level.

“Together, we must take proactive steps to safeguard our digital sovereignty, protect our critical information assets, and build a resilient, secure future for all.”

Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, also said: “As we all know, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, diverse, and pervasive.

“Here in Nigeria, businesses face an alarming volume of attacks, with financial services being particularly vulnerable.”

Jalo-Waziri averred: “Addressing these emerging threats demands a security culture rooted in continuous education and awareness. “Cybersecurity is not a challenge any organisation can tackle in isolation.

“It requires coordinated efforts, cross-industry partnerships, and a collective commitment to protecting our digital future.”

The Chief Executive of CSCS Plc also applauded the event organisers.

He said: “I extend my gratitude to the UK Department for Business and Trade, the Office of the National Security Adviser, NITDA, NGX, the National Data Protection Commission, and Tech4Dev for organizing this roundtable outside of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

“This setting offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to deepen our discussions on pivotal areas in cybersecurity.”

Speaking on the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks in Lagos, Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, explained that such measures are essential to unlock growth potential and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital future.

Chiemeka stated: “Cyberthreats present a serious economic risk that could undermine Nigeria’s vision as Africa’s digital powerhouse.”

The CEO of NGX Limited also highlighting the concerning impact on Nigerian banks, which, he disclosed, lost ₦14.65 billion ($33 million) to electronic fraud in 2021 – a 187% increase from the previous year.

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