The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of Nigeria, the country’s primary source of official statistical data, suffered a cyberattack on its website on December 18, 2024, rendering the platform inaccessible. As of January 14, 2025, the website remains offline, raising concerns about the timely release of crucial economic data, particularly the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation figures, typically published on the 15th of each month. The attack occurred shortly after the NBS released a potentially sensitive report on crime and security, detailing substantial ransom payments made by Nigerians, leading to speculation about a possible connection between the report and the cyberattack. While the NBS has acknowledged the incident and assured the public of ongoing restoration efforts, the extended downtime has created significant disruption for policymakers, analysts, and investors who rely on the bureau’s data for informed decision-making.
The prolonged unavailability of the NBS website has hampered access to vital economic information, creating uncertainty and potentially impacting economic planning and investment decisions. The NBS had also announced plans to introduce three new indexes to the monthly CPI as part of a rebasing exercise, further highlighting the importance of a functioning website for disseminating this crucial information. However, the cyberattack has cast a shadow over the release of these updated figures and other essential economic data. The NBS spokesperson, while acknowledging the ongoing investigation and the holiday period as contributing factors to the delay, has assured the public that the website will be restored soon. However, the lack of a concrete timeline continues to fuel anxieties about data access.
The cyberattack on the NBS highlights the increasing vulnerability of government institutions to digital threats, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The incident also underscores the importance of data security and the potential consequences of disruptions to data access, particularly for economic planning and policy formulation. The NBS’s allocated budget for cybersecurity capacity building in 2025, amounting to N35 million, suggests an awareness of these risks, though the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. The incident has also prompted calls for diversified data sources, with the Nigerian Marketing Research Association pledging to develop private-sector alternatives to ensure data availability in such situations.
The delay in restoring the NBS website has had ripple effects, impacting other institutions reliant on its data. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for instance, has rescheduled its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, originally slated for January 27-28, 2025, to February 17-18, 2025. This postponement likely reflects the CBN’s need for access to the latest CPI and inflation data from the NBS for informed policy decisions. The incident underscores the interconnectedness of various government agencies and the potential for disruptions in one area to impact others.
The cyberattack on the NBS website serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for proactive cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and data. The incident also highlights the vital role of the NBS in providing timely and accurate economic data, crucial for informed decision-making by various stakeholders. The prolonged downtime has not only disrupted access to crucial information but also raised concerns about the security and resilience of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. The NBS’s efforts to restore its website and enhance its cybersecurity capabilities will be crucial in regaining public trust and ensuring the continued availability of essential economic data.
The incident also emphasizes the need for a multi-faceted approach to data security, including robust cybersecurity measures, diversified data sources, and contingency plans for data dissemination in case of disruptions. The private sector’s initiative to develop alternative data sources is a positive step towards mitigating the impact of future disruptions. The NBS’s experience serves as a valuable lesson for other government agencies and private organizations alike, underscoring the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity and data resilience in an increasingly digital world. The incident’s long-term impact will likely depend on the effectiveness of the NBS’s recovery efforts, the implementation of enhanced cybersecurity measures, and the development of alternative data sources to ensure the continued availability of critical economic information.
