The United States has announced plans to deploy a cybercrime advisor to Nigeria, aiming to enhance collaboration between the two nations in addressing cyber threats such as fraud scams and sextortion.

This decision, revealed in a joint statement released during the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission held in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024, underscores the shared commitment to combatting cybercrime.

The advisor, expected to be funded by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), will play a crucial role in providing training, equipment, and technical assistance to bolster Nigeria’s capacity in cybersecurity.

Both governments expressed concern over the adverse impacts of cybercrime on peace, prosperity, and security, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing efforts against cyber-enabled money laundering and fraud.

Nigeria’s accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime in 2023 was commended, reflecting the country’s commitment to international cooperation in combating cyber threats.

The Budapest Convention is the first international treaty addressing Internet crime, aiming to harmonize national laws and enhance cooperation among nations.

In Nigeria, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 serves as the legal framework for addressing criminal activities in cyberspace, with ongoing plans for amendment.

The joint statement reads, “Nigeria and the United States shared concerns regarding the threats that cybercrime poses to mutual peace, prosperity, and security. Nigeria identified its several efforts and capabilities for combatting cybercrime, presenting many avenues for bilateral cooperation."

“To that end, the United States announced the upcoming deployment of an INL-funded cybercrime advisor in Nigeria to facilitate that cooperation and provide training, equipment, and technical assistance to build Nigeria’s capacity for cybercrime, including fraud scams and sextortion.”

Nigeria has been ranked fifth globally in cybercrime activities, prompting recent initiatives such as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive for banks to deduct a cyber security levy from electronic transactions, in line with the 2024 Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act.

Despite exemptions for certain transactions, the levy aims to contribute to the National Cyber Security Fund, administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

The deployment of the cybercrime advisor marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the United States and Nigeria to combat cyber threats, safeguarding citizens and fostering a secure digital environment.