The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has
launched a formal investigation into the recent cyberattack on the Corporate
Affairs Commission (CAC), following reports of unauthorised access to its
systems.
The move was confirmed in a press statement dated
April 17, 2026, signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and
Regulations. The commission cited provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act
2023 as the legal basis for its intervention.
According to the NDPC, its National Commissioner and
CEO, Vincent Olatunji, has directed a technical team to work with relevant
stakeholders to assess the breach and strengthen data protection systems.
The investigation will examine key areas including
access controls, vulnerability testing, data protection impact assessments, and
the role of third-party service providers connected to CAC’s infrastructure.
The commission expressed concern over the increasing
sophistication of cyber threats targeting Nigerian institutions, noting that
recent attacks have involved coordinated breaches and large-scale data
extraction.
CAC had earlier acknowledged the incident on April 15,
describing it as limited unauthorised access and stating that it had activated
response protocols in collaboration with the National Information Technology
Development Agency (NITDA). However, details of the extent of data exposure
have not yet been disclosed.
The probe comes amid a series of cybersecurity
incidents across Nigeria, including separate investigations into alleged
breaches involving financial platforms and institutions.
As Nigeria’s official corporate registry, the CAC
holds critical records on businesses and their owners, making the integrity of
its systems vital to the country’s economic framework.
The NDPC said its regulatory actions are aimed at
maintaining public confidence in digital services while safeguarding data in
Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Meanwhile, CAC has advised users to monitor their
accounts, update login credentials, and remain cautious of suspicious
communications as investigations continue.
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