The United States has taken a significant step to enhance cybersecurity efforts in Nigeria by establishing a special office at its embassy in Abuja. This initiative, announced by the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., aims to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat cybercrimes.
During a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ambassador Mills emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling the growing challenges of cybercrime. He stated, “I am here to ensure that our relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side. Our new office will focus on expanding our cooperation with the EFCC to tackle cybercrimes more efficiently.”
The special office will facilitate closer cooperation between U.S. and Nigerian authorities, offering technical support, training, and resources to the EFCC. This effort aims to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to address this evolving threat.
President Tinubu welcomed the initiative, highlighting Nigeria’s strategic role as Africa’s largest democracy. He stated, “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries.” The president expressed confidence that this collaboration would yield significant benefits for both countries, enhancing security and fostering economic growth.
In a global context, Nigeria ranks 5th in sources of cybercrime activities, following Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States, according to the World Cybercrime Index. The index, developed by researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of New South Wales, Canberra, identifies major cybercrime hotspots worldwide.
In response to the growing cybercrime threat, the U.S. previously announced plans to deploy a cybercrime advisor to Nigeria. This advisor will support cooperation between the two nations by providing essential training, equipment, and technical assistance, particularly in addressing cyber threats such as fraud and sextortion. This initiative, funded by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), was disclosed during the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission meeting held in Abuja earlier this year.
Credit: Nairametrics (Text Excluding Headine)
