The Lagos State Government in Nigeria has established the Cybersecurity Operations Centre (CSOC) to improve digital security and defend public infrastructure from cyberattacks.
At the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Lagos, on Monday, May 20, 2024, Honourable Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology Olatunbosun Alake revealed this plan.
The CSOC will monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats in real-time, supporting the government’s objective to improve state security and governance.
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Alake said the cybersecurity effort involved top cybersecurity companies and international groups. These partnerships will give the Lagos State Government cutting-edge technology and expertise to secure its digital infrastructure against intrusions. Advanced technologies and cybersecurity professionals will protect the facility.
Lagos state Established the Cybersecurity Operations Centre Council
The Lagos State Government has set up a cybersecurity board to work with the CSOC to create and carry out cybersecurity policies, programmes, and training.
Alake said that the group comprises experts from the public and private sectors, but they wouldn’t say who they are.
The council’s primary goal is to improve the state’s defence system by making sure that all security measures work together and are carried out.
By creating this group, efforts from different areas will be merged to make a unified and all-encompassing hacking strategy. In addition to responding to threats, the council is also in charge of developing long-term plans to make the state’s cyber defences more resilient and better over time.
Lagos State Launch Data Protection and Digital Transformation Projects
The Lagos State Government launched the Data Protection Compliance Project to improve data security. Alake stated that the government has begun sensitising Heads of Accounts, Procurement, Planning, Legal Officers, Medical Directors, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Cabinet members, and Heads of Cadres nationwide across all MDAs.
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This project creates 70 MDA Data Protection Officers. The initiative protects Lagosians’ data privacy and promotes safe personal and corporate data interactions.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu launched the 6,000 km Metro-Fibre Duct Project in December 2023 to speed digital transformation. Alake presented an update. According to Alake, phase I of the project installed 2,700 km of uniform fibre ducts across the state. Complete 3,300 kilometres in Phase II. This massive fibre optic network will boost internet access and assist the state’s digital infrastructure, boosting economic and social growth.
These efforts demonstrate Lagos State’s proactive approach to technology and digital security. By creating the CSOC, cybersecurity council, and data protection and digital transformation programmes, the state is promoting itself as a cybersecurity and digital innovation leader in Nigeria.