The United Kingdom and Nigeria have entered into a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the fight against fraud and financial crime. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a joint Action Plan by both countries during a high-level meeting in Abuja.
Signatories to the agreement included UK Minister for Fraud Lord Hanson, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
As outlined in a statement from the British High Commission in Abuja, the agreement focuses on improving intelligence exchange, launching joint investigations, and coordinating enforcement measures to address the growing threat of international fraud.
The UK has expressed increasing concern about cross-border fraud, with officials estimating that over 70% of fraud cases affecting the country involve perpetrators based overseas.
“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening our defences against fraud,” said Lord Hanson. “By working closely with Nigeria, we aim to detect and prevent financial crimes more effectively and protect the public from harm. My discussions in Abuja have been extremely productive, and I’m pleased to see this partnership take shape.”
The collaboration will involve intelligence cooperation between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser. It will also support joint law enforcement efforts and regulatory alignment across sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and digital services.
Part of the initiative includes joint training for Nigerian prosecutors, led by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, along with collaborative research into new fraud techniques, especially those involving emerging technologies like AI.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, saying, “We must build on past progress, enhance cooperation at every level, and remain committed to protecting our people by tackling criminal networks and supporting victims.”
Fraud remains the most common crime in the UK, with over 4.1 million cases reported in 2024, resulting in an annual financial loss exceeding £6.8 billion. Beyond the financial toll, the emotional effects on victims, particularly in cases involving coercion or exploitation, are significant.
Nick Sharp, Deputy Director of Fraud at the NCA, stressed the importance of global cooperation: “Through shared intelligence and coordinated operations, we can close gaps exploited by criminals and bring offenders to justice, no matter where they are.”
This agreement builds upon the UK-Nigeria Fraud Dialogue launched in November 2024 and aligns with the UK’s broader Fraud Strategy, which prioritises international partnerships to curb financial crime and protect global communities.
