The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) will resume operations on January 15, 2025, three weeks after a cyberattack temporarily paralysed its systems. The attack, which occurred on December 18, 2024, disrupted public access to critical national data and sparked concerns about the safety of sensitive information.
Per Condia, the bureau confirmed the timeline during a Thursday workshop hosted by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. It also shared that the old and new Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures will be released.
In the immediate aftermath of the breach, the NBS urged citizens to disregard any updates from its platforms, emphasizing the need to ensure data integrity before restoration.
This incident is not isolated, as Nigeria has faced a surge in cyberattacks targeting both public and private institutions. According to the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), ransomware attacks on local organizations have risen sharply in recent years, affecting sectors like finance, technology, and public administration.
In 2024 alone, Nigerian financial institutions reported losses exceeding ₦17 billion due to fraud, highlighting the critical need for stronger cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, major institutions have faced penalties for inadequate data protection, including fines of over ₦200 million levied against banks for privacy violations.
The NBS breach serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria to enhance its defences against the evolving threat landscape. Government initiatives, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the establishment of cybersecurity operation centres, are pivotal steps in this direction. Collaborative efforts between public entities and private firms, such as the partnership between Flutterwave and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to establish a Cybercrime Research Center, reflect a growing commitment to combating cybercrime.
While the NBS revealed it'll be resuming operations, it is still imperative importance of continuous vigilance. Strengthening cybersecurity policies, investing in advanced technologies, and educating personnel about digital threats are critical to ensuring the resilience of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
As institutions increasingly adopt digital solutions, the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks becomes non-negotiable. The NBS's experience underscores that proactive measures, not reactive responses, will define the future of secure digital operations in Nigeria.
