NITDA Urges Prompt Disclosure of Cyberattacks in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on organizations in Nigeria to stop concealing cyberattacks, highlighting the risks associated with such actions. This warning follows a recent breach that affected banks and digital payment platforms, including Remita.

NITDA's Director General, Kashifu Abdullahi, stated in an interview at Gitex Africa in Morocco that hiding incidents increases vulnerability in Nigeria's digital financial infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of sharing intelligence to protect others from similar threats, particularly as the cyber threat landscape becomes more dangerous due to the rise of artificial intelligence and digital interconnectivity.

NITDA is collaborating with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to investigate reported breaches involving sensitive customer data and to implement measures to safeguard affected individuals. The investigation aims to ensure that data subjects are protected and that organizations operating digital payment systems have adequate technical safeguards in place.