Nigeria–UK cybercrime deal: Partnership or privacy threat?

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to tackle cybercrime jointly.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday April 29, 2025, during a ceremony held in Abuja, attended by top government officials and international partners.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, signed on behalf of Nigeria at the Ministry of Justice headquarters, Abuja.

Lord David Hanson, UK Minister of State for Home Affairs, signed the agreement on behalf of the British Government.

The event also marked the official launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC) by Nigeria’s Attorney General.

Fagbemi said the JCTC will foster inter-agency collaboration and improve Nigeria’s response to the growing threat of cybercrime.

He stressed that laws alone cannot curb cybercrime without cooperation between investigators, prosecutors, and judicial institutions across national boundaries and agencies.

Fagbemi said cybercriminals exploit poor coordination among agencies, stressing the need for real-time collaboration in prosecuting digital crime cases.

He emphasized the JCTC won’t override any agency’s legal power but will enhance synergy and streamline investigative procedures.

He identified members of the JCTC to include the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCERT), Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi explained that agencies must avoid working in silos and instead align strategies to ensure justice for cybercrime victims.

He noted that cybercrime poses national security threats and erodes public confidence in digital systems, governance, and financial institutions.

Lord Hanson said the partnership reflects mutual commitment to curb cybercrime and ensure justice through joint investigations and intelligence sharing.

He stressed that the MoU would help dismantle organized cybercrime networks operating between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The UK, he added, remains committed to supporting Nigeria in fighting cybercrime and strengthening its cyber justice infrastructure.

UNODC Country Director, Cheikh Toure, described the launch as a milestone in global cooperation against evolving cybercrime threats.

Toure said cross-border partnerships are necessary to protect vulnerable citizens and build a resilient digital environment for economic development.

He assured that UNODC would continue supporting Nigeria in capacity building, digital forensics, and coordinated cyber investigations.

Toure called on stakeholders to pool resources, share expertise, and harmonize efforts to protect global digital spaces from criminal elements.

The JCTC, he said, proves Nigeria is determined to modernize its justice system to meet international cybercrime response standards.

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