On April 29, 2025, Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at combating cybercrime and enhancing the criminal justice system in both countries. The agreement was formalized by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who emphasized the necessity of a coordinated and robust approach to tackling cybercrimes.
In conjunction with the MoU, the Nigerian government launched the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC), a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and improve the enforcement of cybercrime laws. Minister Fagbemi highlighted that while Nigeria possesses a national legal framework for combating cybercrime, effective implementation requires well-equipped, unified, and empowered personnel who can act swiftly and cohesively.
This partnership builds upon previous collaborations between the two nations, including a stakeholders’ roundtable organized by the British High Commission in November 2024. During that event, Mark Smithson, Country Director for the UK’s Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, continuous education, and training for cybersecurity professionals in addressing emerging digital challenges. The roundtable also emphasized the need for effective strategies against cybercrime, promotion of cybersecurity awareness, and establishment of platforms for continuous collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors.
The establishment of the JCTC is a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to combat cyber threats and improve its criminal justice system. By fostering international cooperation and sharing expertise, both Nigeria and the UK aim to create a safer digital environment for their citizens and bolster their respective economies.
