News Highlights:
- NITDA and CAC activate coordinated cybersecurity response measures following concerns affecting CAC’s digital systems.
- NITDA directs all MDAs to urgently review and strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks in line with the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021.
Nigeria’s public sector digital infrastructure is set for a sweeping cybersecurity review following coordinated actions by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in response to recent vulnerabilities affecting aspects of CAC’s digital systems.
Framing the development as a system-wide wake-up call rather than an isolated incident, both agencies confirmed that they have “activated response and assurance mechanisms in line with national cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain service integrity.”
At the heart of the intervention is a renewed enforcement of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021 (NCPS 2021), with NITDA directing all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to urgently reassess their cyber defences.
In a statement signed by Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, the agency stated unequivocally that “all MDAs must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures in compliance with the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021,” underscoring the need for vigilance amid evolving digital threats targeting government systems.
As part of the directive, MDAs have been instructed to immediately “review and reinforce their cybersecurity architecture to address emerging threats targeting government systems and sensitive data.”
This includes conducting “comprehensive security assessments,” addressing identified vulnerabilities, and tightening access controls across critical platforms.
Further measures outlined require agencies to “enhance data protection mechanisms, maintain effective backup and disaster recovery systems, and improve monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to suspicious activities.”
Authorities also emphasized the necessity of operational incident response structures, noting the importance of “prompt reporting of cybersecurity breaches for coordinated intervention.”
Officials disclosed that detailed cybersecurity guidelines have already been circulated to MDAs, forming part of broader efforts to strengthen resilience across Nigeria’s public sector digital ecosystem.
The intervention, according to NITDA, is aimed at “improving the overall security posture of government institutions and ensuring the continued protection of national digital assets.”
Reaffirming its leadership role, the agency pledged sustained support to government institutions in strengthening their systems, emphasising its commitment to “safeguarding digital systems and advancing cybersecurity best practices across the public sector.”