31 Dec NBS allocates N35m for cybersecurity to post-hack recovery

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is planning to allocate N35 million in its 2025 budget for improving cybersecurity and managing data centres.

This decision comes after a cyberattack on 18 December 2024 that compromised the bureau’s website. Following the breach, the NBS warned the public to ignore any information posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, raising concerns about the safety of their digital systems.

As the main source of statistical data in Nigeria, the NBS’s vulnerability highlights the urgent need for better cybersecurity measures.

In addition to focusing on cybersecurity, the NBS has prepared a comprehensive budget of N9.85 billion aimed at modernising its operations and enhancing service delivery.

Key allocations include funding for essential surveys and reports, such as N document_number_1 million for the Labour Force Survey, N80 million for producing the Consumer Price Index, and N60 million for quarterly GDP calculations.

They are also dedicating N55 million to the National Agricultural Sample Survey, N50 million for monitoring the 8-Point Agenda, and N45 million for improving service delivery training. Additionally, they have set aside N15 million for demographic statistics and N9 million for their yearly statistical summary.

A significant portion of the budget, N6.65 billion, will go towards personnel costs.

However, the impact of the website hack, which lasted approximately a week, could lead to delays in important government reports, making the need for improved cybersecurity even more pressing.

Cyber threats are increasing in Nigeria, with organisations facing an average of 3,759 attacks every week, as reported by Check Point Software Technologies.

Public sector organisations are particularly vulnerable, experiencing around 1,791 attacks weekly, mostly from ransomware and other harmful activities.

This situation underscores the critical need for government institutions to strengthen their digital security as the country continues to embrace technology.