The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have rolled out enhanced cybersecurity measures following rising concerns over threats to CAC’s digital infrastructure.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, on Friday.
The decision comes in response to increasing cyberattacks targeting key government databases, particularly those linked to the CAC’s systems.
What they are saying
Umar stated that the cybersecurity actions are in line with national cybersecurity frameworks, which aim to protect critical national infrastructure and preserve the integrity of government digital services.
- “All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are urged to adopt proactive cybersecurity practices in line with the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021,” she added.
MDAs are now required to assess their systems, strengthen security measures, and ensure that all access points are secure from external threats.
- “Comprehensive security assessments, vulnerability remediation, and reinforced access control across critical platforms are mandatory,” Umar emphasized.
She further stressed the importance of improved data protection, backup, disaster recovery systems, and enhanced monitoring capabilities to quickly detect and address suspicious activity.
Get up to speed
This development follows an investigation launched by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into a reported data breach at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The NDPC’s investigation aims to safeguard public trust in Nigeria’s digital and economic systems as concerns over data security intensify.
The NDPC raised an alarm over growing cyber activities targeting government databases, noting the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit system vulnerabilities.
The commission confirmed that the attacks involve large-scale data breaches and cross-platform compromises across interconnected government systems.
More insights
Umar also emphasized the need for MDAs to develop and implement effective incident response frameworks, ensuring rapid reporting and intervention in case of cybersecurity breaches.
- “Clear cybersecurity guidelines have been provided to MDAs as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public sector digital infrastructure resilience,” she said.
These measures are designed to improve the security posture of government institutions and ensure the continuous protection of Nigeria’s national digital assets.
NITDA remains committed to supporting MDAs in enhancing their cybersecurity frameworks and implementing best practices across the public sector.
What you should know
In light of the cybersecurity concerns, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) announced a temporary shutdown of its online portal from April 17, 2026, to April 20, 2026, to conduct scheduled maintenance and system upgrades.
- The shutdown follows reports of a cybersecurity incident affecting some of CAC’s systems, with the maintenance exercise intended to improve overall service delivery and enhance user experience on its platform.
- The CAC has reassured users that the maintenance is a part of efforts to secure its online services and bolster system reliability.
The action underscores Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to addressing growing cybersecurity risks in public sector digital infrastructure.
