May 21, 2024

…To Ensure Safety of Digital Infrastructure Against Potential Attacks

The Lagos State government has launched a cybersecurity project aimed at enhancing digital safety and protecting the state’s infrastructure from cyber threats.

The Honourable Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology Mr. Olatunbosun Alake disclosed this at the ongoing Year 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Monday, adding that the cybersecurity project is part of a broader strategy to improve overall security and governance within the State.

Alake said that the project involves partnerships with leading cybersecurity firms and international organisations, stressing that the collaborations will provide the State with access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise while enhancing its capacity to defend against sophisticated cyber threats.

The Commissioner explained further that a Cybersecurity Operations Centre (CSOC) has been established to serve as the hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats in real time. The centre, according to him, will employ advanced technologies and a team of cybersecurity experts to ensure the state’s digital infrastructure is safeguarded against potential attacks.

Alake added that 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 endeavours.

On data Protection Compliance Project, Alake said that the State has embarked on sensitisation 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 Honourable Commissioner averred that the objectives of the data protection compliance project are to safeguard the rights of natural persons to data privacy and foster safe conduct for transactions involving the exchange of personal data; prevent manipulation of personal data and ensure that Nigerian businesses remain competitive in international trade with best practice.

Alake revealed that the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT) is an annual tech conference which brings together key technology industry stakeholders, policymakers, government officials, venture capital firms, startups, and technology talent to create policies that will drive the development of a smarter Lagos.

He said the ensuing conversations seek to drive technology and innovation outcomes, contribute to policy dimensioning, and drive the development of a smarter and more efficient Lagos.

He noted that the State has had five successful technical conferences and has made decisions that have impacted Lagos State in irreversible ways, including the creation of a Lagos State Innovation and Technology Masterplan, Eko Open Programme and Start Up Lagos, Talent Acceleration Masterplan and funding for startups and investment in the creative economy.

Speaking on the State’s MetroFibre, the Commissioner said the Project seek to achieve a 24-hour driven economy that would allow companies to operate in a safe and secure environment, thereby creating a more conducive environment for business, jobs creation, and increasing the GDP of the State.

He added that the State has implemented 2,700km of unified fiber ducts across the State in Phase I, while Phase II of the project comprises an additional 3,300km of unified fibre ducts across the State.

On the Safe City Project, Alake said it also involved Building a digitised 24/7 city which would allow companies to operate in a safe and secure environment thereby creating a safer and more conducive environment for businesses, more jobs and increasing the IGR of the State.

He said the Safe City project involves the deployment of Intelligent Video Cameras in strategic locations in the State with the execution and completion spread over points in time, in Phases I, II, and III, respectively, adding that 450 surveillance Cameras have been deployed at strategic locations across the city.

The Commissioner pointed out that the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council [LASRIC] plays a significant role in funding startups, research and development programmes. He added that the Council’s objectives include improving services and the quality of life through research outcomes, promoting innovation awareness, managing the Research and Innovation Fund, and fostering local and international collaboration to address local and global challenges.

Alake disclosed that LASRIC has funded over 60 tech startups and over 50 researchers with over N800M grants given out.