NBS website hack raises cybersecurity concerns

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s foremost data agency, is grappling with the aftermath of a cyberattack that has left its official website inaccessible since December 18, 2024. The prolonged outage raises concerns over the bureau’s ability to release critical economic data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation figures, typically published on the 15th of each month.

The attack, which followed the bureau’s controversial Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey revealing Nigerians paid N2.3 trillion in ransom within a year, has fueled speculation about a potential link between the survey and the breach.

NBS Response and Ongoing Efforts

In a statement via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the NBS acknowledged the hack and assured Nigerians that efforts to restore the website were ongoing. However, the lingering downtime has disrupted access to vital statistics, creating uncertainty for policymakers, analysts, and investors reliant on these figures for economic planning.

The cyberattack’s timing has spotlighted Nigeria’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities. With the NBS earmarking N35 million in its 2025 budget for “Capacity Building on Cybersecurity and Data Centre Management,” the breach underscores the urgency of fortifying the bureau’s digital infrastructure.

Further complicating matters, the NBS is set to introduce three new indices as part of a rebased CPI. However, the website’s inaccessibility casts doubt on how this updated report will reach stakeholders.

The Nigerian Marketing Research Association has since called for private-sector alternatives to ensure the availability of economic data during disruptions. This call reflects a growing consensus on the need for diversified data sources to mitigate the risks of overreliance on a single agency.

Economic Implications

The cyberattack’s impact extends beyond the NBS. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has postponed its Monetary Policy Committee meeting initially slated for late January, potentially affecting critical decisions on interest rates and other economic policies. The first meeting is now scheduled for February 17–18, 2025.

Amid public concern, NBS spokesperson Joel Ichedi attributed the delay in restoring the website to a thorough investigation and the extended holiday season, assuring Nigerians that recovery efforts are ongoing.

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