In a landmark move to strengthen international collaboration against cybercrime, the Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday signed a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom (UK) aimed at curbing the growing menace of cyber threats across both nations.
The MoU signing ceremony, which took place in Abuja, saw Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, sign on behalf of the Federal Government, while the UK’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Lord David Hanson, signed for the United Kingdom.
The event also featured the formal launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC), introduced by the AGF as a critical component of Nigeria’s commitment to a coordinated and robust response to cybercrime, in line with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
In his address, Fagbemi described the JCTC as “the birth of a vision built on collaboration” and emphasized that the team embodies synergy, mutual respect, and coordination among institutions dedicated to justice. He stressed that while legislative frameworks are essential, laws alone are insufficient without properly equipped and empowered personnel who can implement them effectively.
“An effective criminal justice response demands seamless cooperation between investigators and prosecutors. Cybercriminals often exploit institutional gaps, and our response must be swift, cohesive, and unified,” Fagbemi stated.
Members of the newly inaugurated JCTC are drawn from key national institutions including the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), the 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, Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The AGF clarified that the JCTC is not intended to override the statutory powers of its member institutions but rather to foster inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, and resource optimization.
“The JCTC envisions a justice system not hampered by bureaucracy, but propelled by a unified goal—where investigators and prosecutors collaborate from the inception of a case to achieve more decisive and effective results,” Fagbemi added.
Speaking at the event, Lord David Hanson reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria in the global fight against cybercrime. He expressed confidence that the MoU would not only help dismantle cybercriminal networks but also bolster the economies of both nations.
“This agreement signals a firm commitment to justice, security, and prosperity. The UK will continue to support Nigeria in bringing cybercriminals to justice and creating a safer digital environment,” Hanson said.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Director, Mr. Cheikh Toure, praised the initiative as a significant milestone in transnational cooperation against cyber threats. He emphasized the importance of fostering coordination between investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary to address the multifaceted nature of cybercrime.
“Through partnerships like this—founded on mutual trust and shared purpose—we can build the capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute cybercrime, ensuring justice and a resilient digital future,” Toure said.
The MoU and the JCTC launch mark a renewed commitment by both Nigeria and the UK to tackle cybercrime in a collaborative, coordinated, and forward-thinking manner.
