Review of Vulnerabilities and Threats in SCADA Systems Landscape and Nigeria’s Critical Infrastructure

Abstract

Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems play a pivotal role in managing Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) such as energy, oil and gas, water supply, and transportation in Nigeria. However, increasing digitization and interconnectivity have exposed these systems to severe cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This paper explores the inherent weaknesses in SCADA architecture, the rise of botnet threats, and the evolving cybersecurity challenges within the Nigerian context. Drawing on recent literature, reported incidents, and national regulatory gaps, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with SCADA systems and presents strategic recommendations for policy enhancement, capacity building, and infrastructure hardening.