Atiku Questions Credibility of NBS Website Hack Amid Controversy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed skepticism over the reported hack of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website, describing it as “suspicious” and a potential indicator of deeper credibility issues within the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
NBS Website Breach: A Timeline
On Wednesday, the NBS announced that its official website, www.nigerianstat.gov.ng, had been compromised by hackers. The agency advised the public to disregard any information published on the site until the breach was resolved.
A check of the website on Wednesday evening revealed a blank landing page with the message “Page hacked” displayed. The site remains inaccessible as of now.
The incident occurred just 24 hours after the NBS published its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) report. The controversial report disclosed that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.23 trillion in ransom for kidnappings between May 2023 and April 2024.
Atiku Questions Credibility of NBS Website Hack Amid ControversyAtiku Questions Credibility of NBS Website Hack Amid ControversyAtiku Questions Credibility of NBS Website Hack Amid ControversyAtiku Questions Credibility of NBS Website Hack Amid Controversy
In a statement on Thursday, Abubakar expressed concerns over the timing of the hack, which he said could erode public trust in the credibility of national data. He described the breach as yet another troubling sign of systemic failure under the Tinubu administration.
“This development adds to the bad tidings that have characterized the Bola Tinubu administration,” the statement read. “The claim that the NBS website has been hacked—its first-ever breach—raises significant concerns about the integrity of the agency’s data.”
Abubakar emphasized that the politicization or manipulation of statistical data is a dangerous trend that could undermine the bureau’s role in national planning, development, and research.
“Subjecting data and statistics, such as those harvested and analyzed by the NBS, to sexing up or political considerations is counterproductive,” he warned.
Credibility Crisis Amid Security Revelations
Atiku highlighted the suspicious timing of the hack, which came just after the release of the CESPS report and painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s security situation.
“This so-called hack occurred mere hours after the release of damning statistics on security in Nigeria. It is hard to ignore the coincidence,” he noted.
He further expressed concern that such incidents could undermine the credibility of data used for critical decision-making in governance, development, and public policy.
“These are strange times in Nigeria, and one hopes this is not an underhand attempt to undermine the integrity of data that should be impartial and apolitical,” Atiku added.
A Call for Accountability
The former vice president urged the federal government to address the breach transparently and ensure the protection of sensitive national data. He argued that data manipulation or the inability to secure critical digital infrastructure could worsen public trust in the administration and impede Nigeria’s development efforts.
The Tinubu administration is yet to issue a statement addressing Atiku’s concerns or provide an update on the NBS website restoration.
Implications for Public Confidence
The NBS hack and the ensuing controversy highlight broader issues of cybersecurity and data governance in Nigeria. If unresolved, the incident could deepen public skepticism toward national institutions and hinder evidence-based policymaking.
Atiku’s criticism underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and improved digital infrastructure to safeguard the integrity of public data in Nigeria.
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Atiku Questions Credibility of NBS Website Hack Amid Controversy