In a proactive move to counter cyber threats and protect its systems, assets, and data, the Lagos State Government has formed a Cybersecurity Advisory Board. This strategic initiative aims to spearhead the development, implementation, and oversight of a robust cybersecurity program.
According to Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, the board includes distinguished members such as Dr. Osakwe Fene, an Amazon bestselling author and recipient of the 2023 Global Cyber Educator of the Year Award, and Mr. Taiye Lambo, the inaugural Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Atlanta.
Other notable members comprise Dr. Bharat Soni from Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Chineye Chizea from the World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project, and Ben Oguntala, former Cyber Security Project Manager at NFU Mutual Insurance UK. Dr. Obadare Adewale, Co-Founder of Digital Encode, and Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology Mr. Tunbosun Alake also join the board.
Representatives from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), and the Police complement the multi-disciplinary and cross-functional nature of the board.
The Cybersecurity Advisory Board’s mandate extends to providing recommendations on policy development, program planning, refinement, and training initiatives in alignment with the state’s cybersecurity objectives. The board comprises industry leaders, public sector experts, ICT professionals, law enforcement personnel, educators, and media representatives.
Emphasizing the necessity of cybersecurity in Lagos’s digital transformation journey, Omotoso noted, “As Lagos State transits to a global digital future, the need for a cyber-security framework and plan is necessary as both inherent and residual risks are increasingly driven by global connectivity and the usage of cloud services to store sensitive data and personal information.”
With Lagos State advancing its Smart City agenda under the THEMES Plus Agenda, the importance of safeguarding valuable data from initiatives crucial to this agenda cannot be overstated. The Cybersecurity Advisory Board’s establishment signifies the government’s commitment to ensuring a secure and resilient digital infrastructure in the face of evolving cyber threats.
