The Lagos State Government has introduced a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at strengthening digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the initiative was described as a major step toward positioning Lagos as a secure and globally competitive digital hub.
With Lagos hosting thousands of businesses and rapidly evolving into a smart city, the government noted growing exposure to cyber threats. According to estimates by the National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA), Nigeria loses over $500 million annually to cybercrime, highlighting the urgency for stronger protective measures.
The newly released guidelines provide practical and scalable cybersecurity recommendations tailored for small and medium enterprises, large corporations, and government institutions. They are aligned with national legal and policy frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).
Authorities emphasized that the guidelines are not mandatory regulations but tools to help organisations improve their digital resilience and protect sensitive data.
The government also acknowledged the role of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Fene Osakwe, for its contribution to developing the framework.
Reaffirming its commitment, the state said it will continue to update and expand the guidelines to address emerging cyber threats, strengthen public-private collaboration, and ensure a secure digital environment that supports innovation, investment, and economic growth.
