By Alexis Uchendu
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has confirmed a cyberattack on its official website, raising concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s vital statistical data.
In a statement shared on its X account (formerly Twitter), on Wednesday, the Bureau disclosed the incident and assured the public of ongoing efforts to recover the compromised platform.
“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. Thank you,” the statement read.
The attack highlights the growing threat of cybercrime against government institutions.
As Nigeria’s key agency for collecting and disseminating economic and developmental data, the NBS plays a crucial role in shaping public policy.
Experts have warned that such breaches could lead to misinformation, financial fraud, and a loss of public trust if malicious actors manipulate data or release false information through compromised channels.
Cybersecurity consultant Adebola Akande noted, “This incident underscores the need for proactive measures such as regular security audits, continuous monitoring, and employee training to guard against phishing and other cyber threats.”
While the NBS has not provided a timeline for the website’s restoration, it assured the public that verified updates would be communicated via its official social media accounts.
Citizens and stakeholders are urged to rely only on authenticated announcements and disregard unverified reports.
This cyberattack adds to a growing list of digital breaches targeting Nigerian government agencies in recent years. With the nation advancing toward digitization, experts are renewing calls for a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy to protect critical assets and data.
The NBS has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of Nigeria’s statistical information.
Once restored, the Bureau pledged to provide updated, verified data to the public.
