In a move to reinforce the state’s ambition of becoming a globally competitive digital hub, the Lagos State Government has announced a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at strengthening digital safety across businesses, public institutions and among residents.

The newly released framework provides practical and scalable recommendations tailored to small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). According to the government, the guidelines are designed as advisory tools rather than regulatory mandates, offering context-specific strategies to help stakeholders mitigate growing cyber risks.

As explained in a statement signed by the commissioner for Health Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the initiative comes at a critical time when Lagos, widely regarded as Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystem, faces increasing exposure to cyber threats.

Citing estimates from the National Information Technology Development Agency, the government noted that Nigeria loses over $500 million annually to cybercrime, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated security measures.

The guidelines are aligned with key national frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act, the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, ensuring consistency with existing legal and policy standards.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and builds public trust. It emphasized that as Lagos evolves into a smart city, the expansion of digital infrastructure must be matched with robust safeguards against cyber threats.

The government also commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council for its role in developing the framework, particularly its chairman, Fene Osakwe, for providing strategic direction.

Special recognition was extended to the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tubosun Alake, whose support was described as instrumental to the initiative.

So in the statement, the government said the guidelines underscore its commitment to safeguarding digital assets and strengthening public-private collaboration.

“The release of these guidelines marks another step in ensuring that every organisation, from sole proprietorships to multinational corporations, can operate confidently in a secure digital environment,” the statement noted.

The government added that the framework will be periodically updated to address emerging threats and evolving technologies, positioning cybersecurity as a central pillar of Lagos State’s digital transformation agenda.