Lagos State Launches Cybersecurity Framework for Businesses

On a recent Sunday, the Lagos State Government announced a comprehensive cybersecurity framework designed to protect businesses from the increasing threat of cybercrime. The initiative, led by Gbenga Omotoso, aims to tackle the rising digital threats and strengthen digital safety across businesses, public institutions, and residents.

The newly issued guidelines outline scalable cybersecurity best practices for small, medium, and large enterprises. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the estimated $500 million annual losses Nigeria incurs due to cybercrime.

The framework was developed with input from the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, chaired by Fene Osakw, and aligns with national regulations, including the Cybercrime Act 2024 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. Organizations are expected to adopt data minimization principles, implement secure storage systems, and develop clear incident response plans.

The guidelines, while not mandatory, are described as practical tools to help stakeholders strengthen their resilience against evolving cyber threats. Tubosun Alak emphasized the need for organizations to conduct cybersecurity self-assessments and invest in staff awareness.