The United States has established a dedicated office at its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. The initiative, announced by newly appointed US Ambassador Richard Mills Jr., aims to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tackling digital threats.
During a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Ambassador Mills emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our new office will focus on expanding our cooperation with the EFCC to tackle cybercrimes more efficiently.” The office will provide technical support, training, and resources to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes.
This development comes as Nigeria ranks fifth globally in cybercrime activities, according to the World Cybercrime Index. The country trails behind Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States, highlighting the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures.
President Tinubu welcomed the initiative, acknowledging Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest democracy and expressing readiness to set an example for other African nations.
The collaboration builds on earlier plans announced by the US to deploy a cybercrime advisor to Nigeria. This advisor will facilitate cooperation by providing training, equipment, and technical assistance to address various cyber threats, including fraud scams and sextortion.
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This partnership is expected to yield significant benefits for both countries, enhancing security and fostering economic growth. It also underscores the shared democratic values between the US and Nigeria, with Ambassador Mills affirming, “Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.”
As cybercrime continues to evolve, this US-Nigeria collaboration marks a crucial step in strengthening Africa’s largest economy against digital threats and promoting regional cybersecurity.