Nigeria: Cyberattack Hits National Bureau of Statistics Website

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s leading agency responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of critical statistical data, has announced that its official website has been hacked. In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the bureau confirmed the breach and assured the public that it is working diligently to recover the website and restore its functionality.

The NBS advised the public to disregard any messages or reports published on the compromised platform until the issue is fully resolved. The bureau stated, “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.” This cybersecurity breach comes at a time when the NBS is deeply engaged in its mandate of providing vital statistical insights into Nigeria’s economic and social sectors. The agency has recently released a series of significant reports, including the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Report for the third quarter of 2024, the Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) for the second quarter of 2024, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November 2024.

The GDP report highlighted Nigeria’s economic performance, revealing a 3.46% year-on-year growth in real terms for Q3 2024. This figure represents a notable improvement compared to the 2.54% growth recorded in Q3 2023 and a slight increase from the 3.19% growth achieved in Q2 2024. The data underscores a positive trajectory in the nation’s economic activities, reflecting resilience amidst ongoing global and domestic challenges. In addition to economic growth, the NBS has been instrumental in shedding light on labor market conditions through its Nigeria Labour Force Survey. The Q2 2024 report provided a comprehensive overview of employment dynamics, including trends in job creation, unemployment rates, and underemployment. This information serves as a critical tool for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to address labor market inefficiencies and promote job creation.

However, the Consumer Price Index for November 2024 presented a more sobering picture, as it revealed that Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 34.60%. This represents an increase from the 33.88% inflation rate recorded in October and continues an upward trend that began in September. This reversal of a brief two-month decline earlier in the year underscores persistent inflationary pressures that are eroding the purchasing power of citizens and posing challenges for economic stability. The hacking of the NBS website has temporarily disrupted access to these crucial reports and resources, raising concerns about cybersecurity measures for key government institutions. Nevertheless, the bureau’s swift acknowledgment of the breach and its commitment to recovering the website reflect its dedication to maintaining transparency and reliability in data dissemination.

As the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) works diligently to restore its compromised digital platform, both the public and various stakeholders are reminded of the pivotal role the bureau plays in shaping Nigeria’s policy framework. The NBS is the backbone of Nigeria’s data collection and analysis efforts, producing key reports that inform policy decisions across sectors such as the economy, labor, health, and education. By providing accurate and up-to-date statistical data, the bureau equips government agencies, businesses, researchers, and civil society organizations with the tools needed to understand the country’s socio-economic conditions in depth.

The NBS’s comprehensive reports, such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth figures, inflation rates, and labor force surveys, are integral to the government’s ability to assess its economic performance, identify growth areas, and address potential shortcomings. These insights play a critical role in guiding fiscal policies, monetary strategies, and development programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of Nigerians. Additionally, they help policymakers design effective responses to challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.

Furthermore, the NBS contributes to fostering sustainable development by providing reliable data that helps track progress towards national development goals and international commitments, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By offering evidence-based solutions to complex challenges, the NBS continues to be a central player in Nigeria’s pursuit of long-term prosperity, equity, and social stability. In this context, the temporary disruption caused by the website breach highlights the ongoing importance of robust cybersecurity measures for critical national institutions like the NBS. As the bureau works to restore access to its online platform, it remains committed to providing timely and accurate data to ensure that Nigeria’s development trajectory remains on course, guided by reliable statistical evidence.