The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has disclosed that it recorded more than 1,500 cyberattack attempts within a short period, prompting the agency to temporarily shut down its network as a precautionary measure.
The National Commissioner of the commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, revealed this on Thursday during an interview on the sidelines of a data protection training programme held in Lagos.
According to Olatunji, the temporary suspension of the commission’s network operations was necessary to prevent hackers from breaching its systems, underscoring the growing threat posed by cybercriminals.
He noted that cyber threats have become increasingly frequent and sophisticated, making it imperative for organisations to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks.
“Cyberattacks are no longer isolated incidents.
They have become a constant threat, which is why organisations must ensure continuous monitoring of their systems and regularly update their security protocols,” he said.
Olatunji also identified a shortage of qualified Data Protection Officers as a major challenge confronting Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.
He explained that the Nigeria Data Protection Act requires organisations to appoint Data Protection Officers, creating an urgent demand for trained and certified professionals.
“There is currently a wide gap between the number of skilled personnel available and the growing demand across organisations. This training is aimed at preparing participants to bridge that gap effectively,” he stated.
The NDPC boss highlighted the achievements recorded under the commission’s Public-Private Partnership model, saying the initiative has generated more than $10m in value and contributed over N7bn to government revenue through fees and penalties.
“Beyond the financial gains, these efforts have strengthened Nigeria’s reputation globally and enhanced investor confidence in the country’s ability to manage and protect data responsibly,” he added.
On the issue of ransomware attacks, Olatunji advised organisations against paying cybercriminals, warning that such actions only encourage further attacks.
“Paying ransom only emboldens attackers. The better approach is to invest in preventive measures and build resilient systems capable of resisting breaches,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, one of the facilitators, Dr Taiwo Oyeleye, said the training would provide participants with practical and theoretical knowledge of data protection and privacy principles.
He said, “Participants will gain a deeper understanding of data protection frameworks, governance structures and technical safeguards needed to secure sensitive information.”
Another facilitator, Mr Wole Jacobs, called for stronger collaboration between the NDPC and the National Information Technology Development Agency to tackle emerging cyber threats.
Jacobs stressed the importance of sustained learning and compliance with global best practices to ensure the protection of personal data and support Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation.
