Lagos Introduces Cybersecurity Rules to Address Financial Losses

The Lagos State Government has released a set of Cybersecurity Guidelines to strengthen digital safety for businesses, public institutions and residents, as Nigeria loses over $500 million (approximately ₦250 billion) annually to cybercrime, the government announced.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement on Sunday, said the framework represents “another decisive step in Lagos’ mission to become a SMART, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.”

Omotoso noted that Nigeria loses over $500 million (approximately ₦250 billion) annually to cybercrime, according to estimates by the National Information Technology Development Agency.

“This development represents another decisive step in Lagos’ mission to become a SMART, secure, and globally competitive digital hub,” Omotoso said.

“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 ₦250 billion) annually to cybercrime, underscoring the urgency for stronger, coordinated security measures.”

He said the guidelines, available at https://lagosstate.gov.ng/cybersecguide, outline “clear, practical, and scalable cybersecurity best practices” for small businesses, medium and large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

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

He noted that “these recommendations are not regulatory mandates but tools designed to empower stakeholders with practical, context-specific guidance.”

Lagos Introduces Cybersecurity Rules to Address Financial Losses — Gbenga Omotoso. Credit: Vanguard

The commissioner noted that “while Lagos is rapidly evolving into a SMART City, this progress brings heightened vulnerability to cyber threats.”

Omotoso praised the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its “strategic leadership and technical expertise” in developing the framework.

He also extended special recognition to the Commissioner for the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Tubosun Alake, for “his vision and support” in driving the initiative.

“The release of these guidelines underscores Lagos State’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding digital assets, enhancing publicprivate collaboration, and ensuring that every organisation—from sole proprietorships to multinational corporations—can operate confidently in a secure digital environment,” Omotoso said.

He added that “a cybersecure Lagos is essential for sustaining its position as one of the most dynamic and globally competitive tech hubs of the 21st century”.

Omotoso said the government “will continue to refine and expand the guidelines to address emerging threats and evolving technologies, ensuring that cybersecurity remains a foundational pillar of the State’s digital transformation.”

Lagos State Government Unveils Comprehensive Cybersecurity Guidelines to Strengthen Digital Safety

The Lagos State Government has released a set of Cybersecurity Guidelines, a strategic framework designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and… pic.twitter.com/swm7tGgMJf

— Gbenga Omotoso (@gbenga_omo) April 19, 2026

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Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.