Nigeria is establishing a 24-hour Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk, which will receive information on cyber-crimes from the public and respond without delay.

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency is stepping up the fight against cyber-crimes by allowing residents to report such offenses around the clock.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will ensure this by establishing a 24-hour Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk, which will receive information on cyber-crimes from the public and respond without delay.

The response desk has both local and international phone numbers for contacting the EFCC.

The unveiling was one of the highlights of the National Cybercrime Summit, which was organised by the EFCC with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, the European Union, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, launched the initiative at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with the theme: “Alternatives to cyber-crime: optimising cyber skills for national development.”

She noted that the theme of the summit resonated with the current challenges cyber crime posed to Nigeria and the globe.

“Cyber-crime is not a crime against individuals and businesses. It is an assault on our collective integrity, economic stability and the future of our youth,” Tinubu said.

“It is therefore crucial that we address these challenges head on and explore not only the harmful consequences of cyber-crimes but also the sustainable alternatives that can redirect our youths towards productive and positive endeavours.”

Tinubu said with young people accounting for more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population, the involvement of youths in cyber-crime was a threat to the nation’s quest for economic stability.

Known locally as the “Yahoo Boys”, tertiary graduates struggling to secure formal jobs are reportedly the main perpetrators of these crimes.

The Nigeria Communications Commission reports that the West African country loses an estimated $500 million per annum to cyber criminals.

Ola Olukoyede, executive chairman of the EFCC, said: "The menace of cyber-crimes, like most economic and financial crimes, is a burning challenge that we cannot deny, ignore or wish away.”