The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of Nigeria has confirmed that its official website has been hacked, raising serious concerns about data integrity and public trust.
The bureau announced the breach via its X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday evening, assuring the public that efforts are underway to recover the compromised site.
In its official statement, the NBS disclosed that its website, essential for publishing critical statistical data on Nigeria’s economy and governance has been taken offline due to a cyberattack. The bureau warned users to disregard any reports or messages posted on the site until it is fully restored. The statement read:
“This is to inform the public that the NBS Website has been hacked and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any message or report posted until the website is fully restored.”
Visitors attempting to access the site encountered a “Page Hacked” notification, followed by “Internal Server Error” messages, suggesting severe disruptions in the platform’s functionality.
This breach comes shortly after the NBS launched a redesigned website, highlighting weaknesses in government digital infrastructure. The bureau’s website is a vital resource for providing accurate data to support public policies, economic planning, and development initiatives.
The incident also coincides with the bureau’s recent report detailing N2.23 trillion paid in ransom by Nigerians over the past year due to kidnapping incidents. The hacking of the NBS website is part of an alarming trend of escalating cyberattacks targeting institutions in Nigeria.
A report by Check Point Software Technologies revealed that Nigeria experiences an average of 3,759 cyberattacks weekly, with government agencies frequently targeted.
Lionel Dartnall, acting Country Manager for South Africa at Check Point Software Technologies, emphasized the growing sophistication of these threats:
“The rapid digitalization of Africa’s key sectors has positioned the continent as a prime target for sophisticated cyber threats.”
Government’s Response
Amid these challenges, Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), reiterated the importance of integrating security into digital transformation efforts. He stated:
“As we digitize, we know that there is a big threat to our cybersecurity. There are many criminal activities happening in cyberspace, so as we build, we need to build with security in mind.”
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