Partners at the Nigeria cybercrime assessment launch event, organised by UNODC Nigeria
Abuja, December 2025 - In a world increasingly connected by technology, Nigeria faces a growing challenge: cybercrime. From online scams to ransomware attacks and child exploitation, the digital threat landscape is evolving rapidly. To address this, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) unveiled Nigeria’s first-ever National Cybercrime Assessment Report via a public presentation on the 11th of December 2025. The report evaluates the capabilities of key Nigerian agencies, including law enforcement and the judiciary, to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate cybercrime, revealing the country’s progress and gaps in combating cybercrime. The report provides vital recommendations to strengthen the national defence against digital threats.
The event brought together national stakeholders from the National Assembly, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Federal Ministry of Justice, law enforcement, the judiciary, financial intelligence, and joint case teams, highlighting the urgency of coordinated action.
The report paints a stark picture of increasing financial losses to the Nigerian economy due to cybercrime, ₦1.1 trillion lost to cybercrime between 2017 and 2023, and $500 million in financial losses in 2022 alone. It reveals that although Nigeria has made significant strides with a robust Cybercrimes Act, updated in 2024, and a further ongoing review in 2025, having specialized agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) equipped with forensic labs; the report further reveals that Nigeria actively participates in global conventions, including the Budapest Convention, and is a signatory to the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. Yet, challenges persist, including resource duplication, outdated forensic tools, and siloed operations, which hinder effective enforcement. While victims have several options regarding where to report cybercrimes, agencies struggle with coordination and effective collaboration.
The report recommends centralised coordination, joint training programs, and investment in forensic capacity. It also calls for stronger cryptocurrency regulations and deeper international cooperation.
In his remarks, Cheikh Touré, Country Representative, UNODC, in his remarks stated that the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousman Toure, stated that the assessment is not just a report but a roadmap for action. He called for stronger legislative support, saying Nigeria must improve intelligence analysis to stay ahead of criminal networks. He further stated that “every dollar invested in cybercrime prevention saves millions in economic loss and protects citizens from harm. He also reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to support Nigeria, saying, “Together we can ensure that Nigeria is not only prepared to combat cybercrime but is a leader in regional efforts against these global threats.”
Douglas Grane, PhD, Acting Director, United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US INL), stated that “cybercrime erodes confidence in digital systems, discourages digital investment, and undermines the integrity of global financial services and public services. Because cybercrime is global, the actions of criminals in one country can inflict heavy damage on individuals and businesses all around the globe.” He went on to thank UNODC for its technical work in developing the report. He commended Nigerian government agencies and law enforcement agencies for their partnership. He further stated that the assessment examines the capabilities and capacity of Nigerian institutions to combat cybercrime so that we together shape a stronger system for global enforcement, prevention, and collaboration that protects not only Nigerians but also Americans.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Cybercrime Assessment event
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi-Salisu, FNCS, commended the partnership with the United States and UNODC. He urged the United States to continue its support, especially in training Nigerian law enforcement and judicial officers, and called for stronger inter-agency collaboration.
As Nigeria’s internet penetration climbs, now at 35% of the population, the digital space offers immense growth opportunities. But without robust safeguards, it also exposes millions to cyber threats. The Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology (ICT), Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide, stated that the report provided an honest, data-driven evaluation of Nigeria’s cyber posture. He gave the assurance that the National Assembly would take the report’s recommendations seriously. In addition, he stated that “Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, but with this growth comes increased exposure to cyber threats that endanger our national security, economic stability, and societal trust. Our committee will work closely with ministries, security agencies, regulators, and the private sector to strengthen our legal frameworks.” Hon. Olajide reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global cyber cooperation, stressing that cyber threats were borderless and required collaborative efforts to curb the menace.
The fight against cybercrime is ultimately about protecting people, ensuring trust in digital systems, and fostering a secure environment for innovation. UNODC stands ready to support Nigeria in every step of the journey to enhance capacities to prevent and combat cybercrime, from technical assistance and legal advisory support to public sensitization and capacity development. We remain a steadfast partner in supporting Member States in building a digital space that protects, empowers, and serves all.
This project was implemented thanks to funds from the United States Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US INL).
