Nigeria faces rising cyber threats as ransomware hits govt agencies
Nigeria recorded 5,822 ransomware detections in 2025, making it a ransomware hotspot. In August 2025, a ransomware attack on the Nigeria Customs Service paralyzed cargo clearance at major ports, causing an estimated USD 18 million in storage fees and delays. The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics website was also compromised in 2025. Beyond ransomware, Nigerian cybercriminal groups remain heavily involved in Business Email Compromise schemes and international money laundering through crypto exchanges, shell companies and mobile payment platforms. The INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 notes that AI now enables 55% of reported cybercrimes across Africa, and continental cybercrime losses more than doubled from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million in 2025. Nigeria alone loses about $500 million (approximately ₦250 billion) annually to cybercrime, according to Lagos State Government estimates. In April 2025, Lagos State launched a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to protect businesses, government institutions and residents, aiming to make Lagos a secure digital hub. Internationally, the United States introduced a new global visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in cybercrime, online investment scams and sextortion. For Nigerians, this means greater risk of financial loss, disruption of essential services and exposure to data breaches. Staying informed about the Lagos State cybersecurity framework, practicing good cyber hygiene and reporting suspicious activity to relevant authorities can help mitigate these threats.