New framework targets safer digital ecosystem as cybercrime costs Nigeria over $500 million annually….
The Lagos State Government has introduced a new set of Cybersecurity Guidelines aimed at strengthening digital protection for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.
Announced on Sunday in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the initiative marks a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to position itself as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.
With thousands of businesses operating within its borders, Lagos continues to face growing exposure to cyber threats. According to estimates from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria loses more than $500 million annually to cybercrime, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the need for coordinated action.
Omotoso noted that Lagos’ rapid transformation into a smart city has made cybersecurity an even more urgent priority. The newly released guidelines, he said, provide practical and scalable recommendations tailored to organisations of all sizes from small businesses to large corporations, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Rather than imposing new regulations, the framework is designed as a support tool, offering context-specific best practices to help stakeholders strengthen their digital defenses.
The guidelines are aligned with key national frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021), ensuring consistency with broader national efforts to improve digital security.
State officials say the move reinforces Lagos’ commitment to building trust in its digital economy while encouraging innovation and investment. The government also commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Fene Osakwe, for its role in shaping the framework.
According to the statement, the guidelines are intended to help organisations from sole proprietors to multinational firms operate with greater confidence in an increasingly digital environment.
Officials emphasised that strengthening cybersecurity is critical to maintaining Lagos’ status as one of Africa’s most dynamic technology hubs. They added that the framework will continue to evolve to address emerging risks and technological changes.
By rolling out these guidelines, the state aims to deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors while ensuring that digital safety remains at the core of its ongoing transformation.
