The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat cybercrime and fraud. The UK’s Minister of State, Home Affairs, David Hanson, emphasized that addressing these challenges will not only boost Nigeria’s economic development but also strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
The UK’s Minister of State, Home Affairs, David Hanson, stated this yesterday in Abuja at the launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes (JCTC) and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on tackling cybercrime between Nigeria and the UK.
Describing the signing of the MOU as historic, Hanson stressed that the need to tackle issues relating to cybercrime and fraud is very important to Nigeria and the UK.
He added: “We’ve been very pleased to support and help where we can with the development of the joint centre today but we know that this is an initiative which will help support tackling cybercrime.”
Hanson disclosed that based on the UK’s experience from dealings with fraud and cybercrime, “cybercrime and fraud are major drags on growth in the economy and confidence in people in the economy.
“Myself and my colleagues here today from the High Commissioner through to colleagues from the National Crime Agency through to my direct colleagues working on fraud are very committed to look at areas where we can work in partnership with the Nigerian government to tackle these transnational issues that impact on our economy, impact upon our citizens and impact upon your citizens as well,” Hanson said.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the launch of the JCTC is the birth of a vision built on a collaborative approach to combating the menace of cybercrime as well as a vision that finds its foundation in the principles of synergy, coordination and mutual respect among institutions committed to justice.
The AGF Fagbemi noted that an effective criminal justice response to cybercrime requires seamless cooperation between investigators and prosecutors. He emphasized that “an effective criminal justice response requires seamless cooperation between relevant actors, the investigators and prosecutors,” adding that cybercriminals may exploit lack of coordination.
Fagbemi also stressed the need to equip, unite, and empower those who interpret, enforce, and apply the laws to act swiftly, cohesively, and effectively, stating that “laws alone cannot win battles.”
