UK, Nigeria Collaborates to Build National Cybersecurity Architecture 

The UK and Nigeria are partnering to develop a National Cybersecurity Architecture, aiming to strengthen cyber resilience, train experts, and secure Nigeria’s digital space.

The Nigerian government, in collaboration with the United Kingdom, is working towards establishing a National Cybersecurity Architecture to enhance the country’s digital security. This initiative is being facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic transformation through digital advancements.

At a recent meeting in Abuja, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s digital growth. He highlighted that 95% of cyber breaches occur due to human errors, making it crucial to train individuals and organizations on best security practices.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, NITDA is developing a Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, aimed at ensuring 95% digital literacy across Nigeria. This will help Nigerians become more aware of cybersecurity threats and how to prevent them. Inuwa stated that cybersecurity should be embedded into every sector, as cyber risks are no longer just technical issues but economic and national security concerns.

“We need to educate both the users and operators on cybersecurity,” Inuwa said. “We are working on training our people on how to safeguard our digital space.”

To further strengthen the country’s cybersecurity, NITDA is conducting research on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Robotics, and Additive Manufacturing. These technologies offer great potential but also present new cybersecurity challenges that must be addressed proactively.

The United Kingdom is a key partner in this initiative, bringing its expertise in cyber resilience, threat intelligence, and innovation. Mark Smithson, Country Director of the UK Department of Business and Trade (DBT), reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling cybersecurity challenges. He revealed that the UK-Nigeria relationship is valued at £7.5 billion and is expected to grow stronger through cybersecurity cooperation.

“Our partnership is more crucial than ever in ensuring a safe and resilient cyberspace for businesses, governments, and citizens alike,” Smithson stated. “The UK is proud to bring world-class expertise in cybersecurity to Nigeria.”

Building a strong National Cybersecurity Architecture

Building a strong National Cybersecurity Architecture requires expertise, and Nigeria currently lacks enough trained professionals to meet its cybersecurity needs. Dr. Lawan Mohammed, Director of Cybersecurity at NITDA, noted that Nigeria has only 8,300 cybersecurity experts, which is far below what is needed to combat growing cyber threats.

Related: NITDA Calls for Stronger Industry Collaboration to Drive Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

To address this, partnerships with international cybersecurity experts will be crucial in areas such as threat intelligence development, identifying vulnerabilities in digital systems, strengthening Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and building a resilient cybersecurity framework.

The digital world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and cybersecurity threats are global issues that require international cooperation. As Inuwa pointed out, “Cybersecurity must evolve alongside emerging technologies. The way we secure our systems must adapt to the changing landscape.”

One major challenge is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cyber threats. In the past, AI was not considered a security risk, but today, it requires strict constructive measures to prevent misuse. The UK-Nigeria cybersecurity partnership aims to tackle these evolving threats by sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources to build a safe, resilient, and innovative digital economy.

Related: NITDA Commits to Driving Nigeria’s Digital Future, Trains 1,000 Civil Servants