Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Protect Businesses, Residents and Public Institutions

The Lagos State Government has launched new cybersecurity guidelines aimed at helping businesses, government agencies and residents protect themselves from online threats.

Officials said the framework aims to keep Lagos safe as the state expands its digital economy and implements its smart city plans.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said cyber risks are growing as more organisations move services online and rely heavily on digital systems.

He said Lagos, which is one of Africa’s busiest technology centres, now faces greater exposure to attacks targeting companies, financial services, e-commerce platforms and public institutions.

Noting figures from the National Information Technology Development Agency, Omotoso said Nigeria loses more than $500 million every year to cybercrime.

“This underscores the urgency for stronger, coordinated cybersecurity measures to protect businesses, institutions and residents,” he said.

According to the state government, the guidelines provide steps for small businesses, major companies and ministries, departments and agencies.

They include security checks to identify weak points, stronger login protection such as multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, secure data backups, staff training and phishing awareness exercises.

The framework also advises organisations to improve incident reporting and ensure they meet national legal requirements on data protection and cybercrime.

“The document reflects our proactive approach to safeguarding digital assets while enabling innovation and economic growth.

“These guidelines are not regulatory mandates but tools empowering stakeholders with actionable, context-specific recommendations,” Omotoso said.

Lagos said the new cybersecurity guidelines supports existing national laws and policies, including the Cybercrime Act 2024, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

Officials stressed that the state guidelines are meant to complement federal regulations, not replace them.

Omotoso said a secure digital environment is necessary to encourage innovation, attract investment and maintain public trust.

He also commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for leading work on the document.

He acknowledged support from Tubosun Alake, saying his contribution was important to delivering the project.

“A cyber secure Lagos is critical to sustaining its position as a globally competitive technology hub in the 21st century,” he said.

The state government added that it will continue reviewing the guidelines as threats change and new risks emerge, including ransomware and other advanced attacks.

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