The Lagos State Government has released a set of Cybersecurity Guidelines, a strategic framework designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents.

This development represents another decisive step in Lagos’ mission to become a SMART, secure, and globally competitive digital hub. As Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystem – home to thousands of enterprises – Lagos faces increasing exposure to cyber risks.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) estimates that Nigeria loses over $500 million (approximately N250 billion) annually to cybercrime, underscoring the urgency for stronger, coordinated security measures. The guidelines note that while Lagos is rapidly evolving into a SMART City, this progress brings heightened vulnerability to cyber threats.

The newly issued guidelines, available at cybersecguide, outline clear, practical, and scalable cybersecurity best practices for small businesses, medium and large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

They are aligned with key national frameworks including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).

The document emphasised that these recommendations are not regulatory mandates but tools designed to empower stakeholders with practical, context-specific guidance.