The Lagos State Government has rolled out a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at strengthening digital safety across businesses, public institutions, and residents, as rising cyber threats continue to challenge Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.

The rollout announced today by Lagos comes amid figures cited by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which estimates that Nigeria loses over $500 million (approximately ₦250 billion) annually to cybercrime, underscoring the urgency for coordinated and scalable security measures.

Developed with input from the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Prof. Fene Osakwe, and supported by Tunbosun Alake, the policy aligns with key national regulatory frameworks, including the Cybercrimes Act 2024, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021.

“The guidelines note that while Lagos is rapidly evolving into a SMART City, this progress brings heightened vulnerability to cyber threats,” the government says, adding that the recommendations are designed to address risks associated with increased digital adoption.

Lagos driving Smart City ambition with cybersecurity guidelines

The guidelines are positioned as part of Lagos State’s broader ambition to build a SMART, secure, and globally competitive digital hub, providing a strategic framework to enhance cybersecurity resilience across sectors.

According to the state government, the framework outlines clear, practical, and scalable cybersecurity best practices tailored for small businesses, medium and large enterprises, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“The guidelines note that while Lagos is rapidly evolving into a SMART City, this progress brings heightened vulnerability to cyber threats,” the government says, adding that the recommendations are designed to address risks associated with increased digital adoption.

Unlike regulatory instruments, the document is structured as an enabling framework.

“These recommendations are not regulatory mandates but tools designed to empower stakeholders with practical, context-specific guidance,” the Lagos State Government says.

The initiative comes at a time when Lagos is consolidating its position as one of Africa’s leading innovation ecosystems, hosting a growing number of startups, fintech firms, and digital service providers. However, this expansion is also increasing the attack surface for cybercriminal activity.

Officials say the guidelines are intended to strengthen digital trust and support the development of a resilient, future-ready digital economy by equipping organisations with actionable security practices.

The government emphasises that cybersecurity remains a shared responsibility across public and private sectors, particularly as Lagos continues to expand its smart city infrastructure, including digital payments, e-governance platforms, and interconnected services.

“It is a commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that promotes innovation, investment, and public trust,” the state government says.

Lagos adds that the guidelines will be continuously updated to reflect emerging threats and evolving technologies, ensuring that cybersecurity remains a foundational pillar of its digital transformation agenda.