The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at improving digital safety across businesses, public institutions, and among residents.
The move is part of a broader strategy to position Lagos as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub, especially at a time when cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the initiative highlights the government’s focus on creating a resilient digital ecosystem that can support both innovation and economic growth.
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 one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, Lagos continues to attract a rising number of businesses and digital enterprises. However, this growth has also brought increased exposure to cyber risks.
Data from the National Information Technology Development Agency shows that Nigeria loses over $500 million annually to cybercrime, an indication of the scale of the challenge.
The newly released guidelines, which are available through official government channels, provide practical and scalable recommendations tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises, large organisations, and government agencies. They are aligned with existing national frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.
Importantly, the government clarified that the guidelines are not meant to serve as a regulatory tool. Instead, they are designed to empower organisations and individuals with actionable, context-specific advice that can strengthen cybersecurity practices without limiting innovation.
Omotoso noted that the initiative also supports Lagos State’s broader objectives of attracting investment, fostering trust in its digital infrastructure, and encouraging responsible use of technology.
The government further acknowledged the role of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Fene Osakwe, for providing technical direction in developing the framework. It also recognised the contributions of Tubosun Alake in advancing the initiative.
Overall, the guidelines form part of an ongoing effort to protect digital assets, strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, and ensure that organisations of all sizes can operate with confidence in a secure environment.
Officials added that the document will be regularly updated to keep pace with emerging cyber threats and technological advancements, reinforcing cybersecurity as a key pillar of Lagos State’s digital transformation agenda.
