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Nigeria and Looming Cyberwarfare

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Cyberwarfare is no longer an abstract threat to countries—it is happening. It is a clear and present danger.

The recent systematic crash of the computer systems of banks and broadcast media in South Korea — reportedly the result of an attack that was widely speculated to have been launched by North Korea — points to vulnerability of nations to the new and unexplored area of cyberwarfare.

Today, advances in technology that connect utilities, industries and information in real time have changed the nature of the threats facing nations.

 Digital networks could be used as a conduit to gas lines, power grids and transportation systems to silently deliver devastating cyberattacks to countries.

Case in point, a computer worm was discovered in June 2010 that is called Stuxnet.

The malware is spread via Microsoft Windows, and targets Siemens industrial software and equipment.

The Siemens industrial software and equipment infected is literally the equipment that runs the world as we know it.

 These industrial systems run everything imaginable, traffic light systems, subway systems, power generating systems (including the grid and nuclear plants), food processing plants, warehouses, emergency alert systems, every form of manufacturing, hospitals, police and fire departments, and even the air traffic control systems.

The danger from this worm is that it preys specifically on industrial systems and has a very complex programmable logic controller (PLC) rootkit.

 That means it can be programmed to target a specific operating system and take over the running of the program unbeknownst to even the most observant operator.

Terrorists are increasingly using online technology, including Google Earth and Street View, for attack planning.”

Concerns about potential damages that could be caused by cyber terrorism, have prompted official responses from responsible governments around the world.

In Nigeria either by ignorance or lack of knowledge or both; the federal government has been unable to secure its official websites thus raising questions over claims by the government of efforts to reduce the growing threat of violation of its digital presence.

 Any cyber attack on Nigeria’s critical infrastructure will shut down the country because she lacks any form of protection,

Terrorists are increasingly using online technology to plan and disguise attacks and there will be more cyber-terrorism in the future.

The country’s security managers must understand that tackling these new and emerging threats requires that the country’s technology must constantly evolve and adapt.

The federal government must heed the warnings of experts who have called for building of “high technical skill” including the setting up of “ethical hackers” to protect networks by hacking and stealing vital information and later returning them to show their vulnerability.

Nigeria must also learn lessons from attacks that have happened elsewhere and prepare for the possibility that they could be replicated here.

Additionally, legislation that encourages participation by streamlining processes and reducing legal uncertainty for industry is necessary to help the public and private sectors be more responsive and accountable. In the process, care must be taken to protect privacy and civil liberties.


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NRS Extends Saturday Tax Office Operations Nationwide Ahead of Rev360 Rollout

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The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has announced the extension of weekend tax office operations across the country as part of preparations for the rollout of the Rev360 Phase I Tax Administration System.

In a public notice issued in Abuja on May 7, the Service stated that all Emerging, Medium, Large, and Government Business Offices nationwide will now open on Saturdays from May 8 to June 27, 2026.

According to the notice, the offices will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The NRS explained that the initiative is aimed at providing additional taxpayer support and improving service delivery during the implementation of the new tax administration platform for Medium and Emerging Taxpayer segments.

The Service noted that the extended Saturday operations are designed to assist taxpayers requiring guidance with the new system, facilitate seamless compliance during the June peak Companies Income Tax filing period, and improve access to tax services outside regular weekday hours.

It encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative to resolve tax-related matters, seek necessary guidance, and ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations.

“The NRS remains dedicated to delivering efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused services,” the statement read.

The notice was signed by Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. “You say Transformation, We say Rev360.”


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NCS, Gowon University Partner on Research, Development

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have moved to formalise a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the headquarters of the agency yesterday in Abuja.

Adeniyi noted that the collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research. “I have a long institutional history with this university,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.

He noting that previous attempts to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions and that the Service is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.

Adeniyi said “For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps.

“Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students.”

He also stressed the importance of the university in relation to its status of the nation’s capital u University. He pledged to support the institution in meeting the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.

Responding, Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership.

He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialised research into national security and executive training for officers.

“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted, adding that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.


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CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

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Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has highlighted potential benefits for Nigeria such as increased production flexibility, expanded market share, and improved revenue prospects following the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

However, the Institute cautioned that these opportunities come with significant risks, including exposure to price volatility, reduced protection from coordinated supply management, intensified competition, and mounting fiscal pressures.

In a statement signed by Victor Olannye, registrar/chief executive officer, described the development as a major shift in global oil governance, with far-reaching implications for market stability and international energy dynamics.

Olannye noted that the move could trigger increased oil price volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, and disruptions across global energy supply chains.

He urged corporate organisations, public institutions, financial bodies, and risk professionals to reassess their risk frameworks and strengthen resilience in response to evolving global realities.

He identified key risks to include a potential weakening of OPEC cohesion, oil price instability, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic volatility, and the possibility of further exits by member states.

In line with its mandate to promote sound risk management and support national development, the Institute advised corporate organisations to implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify their business portfolios.

Financial institutions and investors were also urged to reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure practices.

CRMI further called on government and policymakers to reinforce fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote the transition to renewable energy.

Individual risk professionals were encouraged to upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics while developing expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.

The Institute emphasised the need for stakeholders to reposition proactively to navigate the evolving geo-economic landscape. It also projected possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased reliance on market-driven pricing mechanisms, and an acceleration of global energy transition efforts.

 


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