The Lagos State government, through its Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (MIST), has introduced a cybersecurity initiative aimed at protecting the State’s digital infrastructure from the increasing number of cyber threats.
Additionally, Lagos is advocating for a State Innovation Bill, which, if enacted, would establish policies and laws to foster technological advancement within the State.
The proposed Innovation Bill intends to offer incentive packages to registered technology companies in Lagos, encouraging their growth and promoting technological development. This week, Lagos will host the first stakeholders’ session to discuss and co-create the Innovation Bill.
During the 2024 ministerial press briefing in Lagos, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, the Lagos State Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology, announced that the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC)—tasked with enhancing the State’s innovation index through research and development—would leverage the Lagos Innovation Bill to further propel technological innovation.
Mr. Alake highlighted that, over the past three years, LASRIC has supported over 60 tech startups, disbursing more than N800 million in grants to startups and universities for research and development, and has secured a patent for a unique digital solution from the University of Lagos.
According to Alake, the cybersecurity project is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance overall security and governance in Lagos.
The project involves collaboration with leading cybersecurity firms and international organizations, providing the State with advanced technologies and expertise to combat sophisticated cyber threats. Furthermore, a Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) has been established to serve as the central hub for real-time monitoring, detection, and response to cyber threats.
“The centers will employ advanced technologies and a team of cybersecurity experts to ensure the state’s digital infrastructure is safeguarded against potential attacks.
“The state has also established a cyber-security council, made up of experts from both public and private sectors, charged with the responsibility of making recommendations to the government, planning refinement and implementation of policies, programmes and training initiatives regarding its cybersecurity endeavors,” Alake said.
On data Protection Compliance Project, Alake said the State has embarked on sensitization and awareness workshops for all heads of Accounts, Procurement, Planning, Legal Officers, D&HR, Medical Directors, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Cabinet members, Head of Cadres Statewide and for 43 MDAs, as well as the establishment of 70 Data Protection officers in various MDAs.
The Commissioner said the objectives of the data protection compliance project would be to safeguard the rights of natural persons to data privacy and fostering safe conduct for transactions involving the exchange of personal data; preventing manipulation of personal data; and ensuring that Nigerian businesses remain competitive in international trade with best practice.
Alake, further said the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT), an annual tech conference that brings together key technology industry stakeholders, policymakers, government officials, venture capital firms, startups, and technology talent, has helped the state in the areas of technology innovation and development for a smarter Lagos.