Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines To Strengthen Digital Safety, Targets Rising Cyber Threats

Lagos unveils cybersecurity guidelines to strengthen digital safety, targets rising cyber threats The Lagos State Government has released a comprehensive set of Cybersecurity Guidelines aimed at strengthening digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state amid growing concerns over cybercrime and online vulnerabilities. The framework was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who described the initiative as a key step in Lagos’ ambition to build a secure, smart, and globally competitive digital economy. According to the government, the guidelines provide practical and scalable cybersecurity measures tailored for small businesses, large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as the state continues its rapid digital transformation. Officials noted that Lagos, as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology hubs, is increasingly exposed to cyber risks due to the expansion of digital services, e-commerce, fintech, and online public systems. Citing estimates from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the state government warned that Nigeria loses over $500 million annually to cybercrime, underscoring the urgency for stronger preventive frameworks and coordinated digital security efforts. The guidelines are aligned with key national cybersecurity frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021), ensuring consistency with federal regulations. The document also clarifies that the guidelines are not regulatory mandates but advisory tools designed to help organisations adopt best practices such as stronger authentication systems, improved data protection, staff awareness training, and incident response preparedness. The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient digital ecosystem that fosters innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens public trust in online systems. It also commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its technical input in developing the framework, alongside support from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Authorities added that the guidelines will be regularly reviewed to address emerging cyber threats and evolving technologies, as Lagos positions itself as a leading smart city in Africa’s digital economy transformation.