The United Kingdom and Nigeria have solidified their commitment to combating the escalating threat of fraud and financial crime through a newly formalized partnership. This collaboration, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a joint Action Plan in Abuja, signifies a crucial step towards strengthening international cooperation in tackling these increasingly complex and pervasive criminal activities. The agreement was signed by UK Minister for Fraud, Lord Hanson, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, underscoring the high-level commitment from both nations to address this shared challenge.
This partnership emerges against a backdrop of growing concern about the transnational nature of fraud. UK officials estimate that over 70% of fraud affecting the UK originates from or involves actors based overseas, highlighting the urgent need for international collaboration. The MoU between the UK and Nigeria aims to enhance intelligence sharing, facilitate joint investigations, and enable coordinated actions to disrupt and dismantle fraud networks operating across borders. The agreement focuses on proactive measures to prevent fraud, swift action to apprehend perpetrators, and comprehensive support for victims. Both countries recognize that a robust and collaborative approach is essential to effectively counter the sophisticated tactics employed by fraudsters in an increasingly interconnected world.
The scope of the UK-Nigeria partnership encompasses several key areas of cooperation. Intelligence sharing between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser will form a cornerstone of this collaborative effort, enabling both countries to identify emerging trends, share critical information, and develop proactive strategies to disrupt criminal activities. Joint law enforcement operations will be conducted to target fraud networks and bring perpetrators to justice, while regulatory coordination across financial, telecommunications, and digital sectors will strive to strengthen preventative measures and close loopholes exploited by criminals.
Capacity building is another crucial aspect of the partnership. Joint training programs will be implemented, with initial support focused on providing specialized training for Nigerian prosecutors by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and expertise of Nigerian law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting complex fraud cases. Furthermore, the partnership will foster joint research into emerging fraud tactics, including the misuse of technology and artificial intelligence, to stay ahead of evolving criminal methodologies and develop effective countermeasures.
The devastating impact of fraud, both financially and emotionally, underscores the urgency of this collaborative effort. The UK’s Crime Survey for England and Wales reveals the alarming prevalence of fraud, with an estimated 4.1 million cases reported in 2024 alone, resulting in losses exceeding £6.8 billion annually. Beyond the financial implications, the emotional and psychological toll on victims, particularly in cases involving financially motivated sexual extortion, can be severe and long-lasting. Recognizing the importance of victim support, the partnership aims to enhance mechanisms for providing assistance and redress to those affected by these crimes.
This MoU builds on the existing UK-Nigeria Fraud Dialogue launched in November 2024, which has already established a foundation for ongoing collaboration between the two countries. The formalized partnership further strengthens this framework and aligns with the broader UK-Nigeria strategic partnership. It reflects the UK government’s evolving Fraud Strategy, which prioritizes international cooperation as a central pillar in the fight against financial crime and the protection of citizens both domestically and internationally. The agreement signifies not just a bilateral commitment but also a shared understanding of the global nature of the challenge and the need for concerted international action to effectively combat fraud and safeguard individuals and economies.
