Lagos rolls out cybersecurity guidelines to tackle rising digital threats

The Lagos State Government has released a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at strengthening digital safety for businesses, public institutions and residents.

The framework is part of the state’s broader push to position Lagos as a smart, secure and globally competitive digital hub amid rising cyber threats.

Explaining the development, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to building a safe and resilient digital ecosystem.

According to him, “these guidelines are a practical tool to help organisations and individuals protect their digital assets while enabling innovation and economic growth in Lagos.”

As Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystem, Lagos continues to attract thousands of enterprises, increasing its exposure to cyber risks. Data from the National Information Technology Development Agency shows that Nigeria loses over 500 million dollars, estimated at about ₦250 billion, annually to cybercrime.

The newly issued guidelines, available on the state government’s website, provide clear and scalable cybersecurity best practices for small and medium-sized enterprises, large organisations, and Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

They are aligned with key national frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

The government emphasised that the document is not a regulatory instrument but a resource designed to empower stakeholders with practical, context-specific guidance.

Omotoso added that the move reinforces Lagos State’s drive to promote innovation, attract investment and strengthen public trust in its digital infrastructure.

The government also commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Fene Osakwe, for its technical leadership in developing the framework. It further acknowledged the contributions of Tubosun Alake for his role in advancing the initiative.

The guidelines form part of Lagos State’s ongoing efforts to safeguard digital assets, deepen public-private collaboration and ensure organisations of all sizes can operate confidently in a secure environment.

Officials said the document would be continuously updated to address emerging threats and evolving technologies, maintaining cybersecurity as a cornerstone of the state’s digital transformation agenda.