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LASG is Pursuing Seamless IM System- Uthman
Rafiu Bolaji Uthman , director general, Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) is a distinguished information officer, career journalist and Civil Servant par excellence.
Uthman was part of the State Information and Economic Teams researching, documenting and preserving enduring records of the processes and impacts of plans, policies and programmes on the State development and cultural patrimony.
He also served as member of various Government Committees and engaged with development partners bringing to bear his experience and vast knowledge cum understanding of the State development milestone and heritage mosaic to achieve a brighter rewarding future for Lagos State.
Uthman spoke to peter ugwu on what the significances of proper records and information management in governance.
An Overview of LASRAB
LASRAB formally came into legal existence as a Lagos State Government agency pursuant to Law 22 of 2007; the Bureau is under the supervision of the Ministry of Information and Strategy. Administratively, LASRAB took-off on 1st August, 2008 but effective operation began on 1st December, 2008.
It is a public Institution or Agency established by law and mandated to regulate, preserve and disseminate accurate records of enduring value on Lagos state in a professional manner, employing best practices in information and knowledge management.
Our functions extend to regulating, controlling and management of records and archives of Institutions and Establishments operating within Lagos State.
We also concerned with the role of collecting and preservation of historical identities of Lagos State.
LASRAB shoulders the strategic maintenance of modern and credible information warehouse (records and archives institution) that captures full and accurate records on Lagos State that meet the needs and interests of clients.
We also secure global innovative solutions and best practices for continuing management of records/archives; enriching and using records and archives as valuable assets for preserving Lagos State heritage and provide a database for planning and access to information for good governance and research in Lagos State.
LASRAB has also provided the schedule for records management in Lagos State civil service.
We have successfully carried out our statutory responsibilities as aforementioned including undertaking research and disseminate knowledge on the preservation and management of public, private, and historical records and established and implemented procedures for the transfer of public records of enduring value, for preservation and management in the State Archives or such archival repository.
Today, LASRAB is a model on records and information management in Nigeria.
Records Management in Pre-LASRAB Era
Prior to LASRAB establishment, records were managed in a haphazard manner.
There was actually no institution, unit or office so designated as archives within the State and even with Institutions.
In other words, there was no regulatory body to streamline how things should be organized in that sector.
There were evidences of certain valuable documents dumped in cartoons, containers and sometimes in saves that were exposed to rain.
In fact, records were stocked in toilets and staircases. Things were in a disorganized manner.
Proper Records Management and Economic Planning
Of course, the nexus between the two is same with information and proper management.
Information and data are critical resources for planning and management, particularly for allocating or scheduling of resources; for protecting and claiming rights, obligations and for value sharing and cultural collation.
Before now, people did not know much about history of Lagos State. Many said it is a no man’s land; everybody owns Lagos and there are no indigenous Lagosians.
But LASRAB coming into be, harnessing of the facts and making them available, the public are now better informed. Apart from that, Lagos State Government so much relies on data and information to pursue numerous projects we see in places.
The sector is very paramount in development of Lagos State.
One thing we proud ourselves in the State is about proper documentation.
Our documentation process is inclusive-governance-process, where stakeholders’ opinions are sort and conclusions of such engagement are contained in a report which forms part of inputs into budget and programmes.
LASRAB is the stakes custodian of these very important documentations.
They assist government to know what the situation was yesterday and updated version are basically on issues of the moment.
And with the benefits of doubts you can make clear projects about the future.
Nigeria in the Comity of Archive Nations
Well, archives and archives management is endangered and in precarious situation in Nigeria, particularly at the national level.
You find that in Nigeria we have a very low culture as far as preservation of documents is concerned.
Nigerians read very poorly; they read mainly to pass examinations, after that, they throw away the books.
People also read newspapers just to catch time.
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People don’t actually read in-depth or in-between the lines.
In other countries, people read, especially those who occupy the policy making realms to ask themselves, what was the policy like in the past?
That is why archives provide a filling, framework to judge opinions and to drink from the experiences-the perfections and imperfections in the past.
Archive is a societal memory; a warehouse of accumulated experience for the civilization of the people.
Although archives in Nigeria is in a precarious situation, but then Lagos State Government is charting a new course to see that archives is a critical element in governance and development through this formalized structure; the first of it kind, with its grandeur and opulence.
Today, LASRAB functions not just as media resource, but as a historical site. In a accordance with our vision, LASRAB in the shortest time will be a first class global information repository and data bank on Lagos State.
Employment Generation
There are so many ways we can grow the sector for employment generation.
Through voluntarism people can get to know more about the sector and professionals putting their thoughts on records and information management can lift the industry to an enviable height.
And our undergraduates and graduates alike should develop research skills.
A hallmark of an archive is its ability to create and warehouse as many records as possible.
The current level of students and graduates alike, particularly those in the Social Humanities discipline should take it upon themselves to conduct research on subjects of significant interest to the society.
For instance, today the country is in a very serious security risk. It is affecting the social fabrics and cohesion of the society. So, we need to find out who we are, the things that unite us.
Place of ICT in Archives and Records Management
ICT is a platform for provision of archival services.
It is an instrument for achieving a global information repository. ICT is a critical resort; we are in the world of information.
Such information must be available to the people in the way and manner that are desirable at a reasonable cost effective and efficient manner.
These can be enhanced through the deployment of ICT. For example in Lagos State Government under His Excellence, Mr. Babatunde Fashola is apt in the deployment of ICT for e-governance. At the point of its commissioning, we were provided with a Server that enables us to stand on our own.
Ad progressively we are going to develop our electronic management system. The server has enabled us to do internet service; that is the automation of our work processes.
Government has also procured State-of-the-Art equipment that enables us produce documents in a digital format and convert hard copy records into microfilms called e-archives write-ups.
All strategic sections in the Bureau have ICT elements. These allow for knowledge exchanges.
These are because we function as a knowledge management agency; we try to share knowledge contained in the archives with the public.
In lieu of that, students from Universities, Polytechnics and Collages of Education do come here to reinforce their knowledge on civics studies.
Synergy with Public and Private Institutions
We have been enjoying goodwill from other older archiving institutions, particularly the National Archives of Nigeria (NAN), Ibadan.
They provided us with necessary leverage for us to come into the scene. Meanwhile, we have been able to also influence the National Archives in terms of modernity and transformation.
Organizations like Records and Information Awareness (RIMA) Foundation has been our partner since our take off.
The foundation is a critical stakeholder to us, even as an NGO. For instance with the synergy we were able to host the very first archives day in the annals of Nigeria. And arising out of our modest reforms and innovative sector, other emerging archives have been coming around.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) team recently visited asking for our assistant for them to get their footings. And we are very ready to share knowledge and expertise with whoever cares. University of Ilorin also visited us in view of their quest to establish an archive centre.
Other states are also paying us visit to borrow a leaf; Lagos remains the first in information management in Nigeria; there is no archives that can compete with us presently in terms of facilities.
Our repository is outstanding. It can compete with any archive in any emerging economy.
Legislation on Retention Period
Talking about legislation, especially the retention period as widely craved for among some practitioners is not such that demands legislation. I think it is a mere legislation that should flow from enabling environment.
Under the law that established LASRAB, we are empowered to make legislation regulating records management in the state and sequel to that we have made concerted effort in that aspect.
Ours in Lagos is working; however, we expect them at the national level to see to the national retention period legislation.
In our public service whenever they have any change, they invite us to do records appraisal, which is the best practice; to determine what to do with disposition or otherwise.
I must also said that there is a need for the national to quickly review the law establishing the national archives to let it be in-tune with modern realities. It has seemed to have become a national archive of old order.
I think that is why they have been trying to add records management to their own too. That will make it a ‘living organism’ and not a backyard of wasted records.
Federal government has launched Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.), a new consumer credit initiative, to provide affordable financing for locally assembled laptops and other digital devices.
L-R: Mr Uzoma Nwagba, managing director and chief executive officer, CREDICORP, and Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, at the launch
The initiative by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is aimed at equipping Nigerians with the tools needed to participate in the country’s growing digital economy.
During the launch, Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, described access to credit as critical to improving productivity and driving economic growth.
Dr Tijani said no nation could achieve sustainable development without a strong credit system that enables individuals and businesses to access resources needed to become more productive.
He noted that in today’s digital age, technology has become indispensable for education, innovation and wealth creation.
The minister explained that many talented young Nigerians possess the skills required to succeed in the digital economy but remain constrained by their inability to own computers and other digital tools.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr Tijani recalled how his first laptop as a student in the university opened doors to international opportunities and eventually inspired him to establish one of Nigeria’s pioneering technology hubs.
He said the new programme would ensure that more young Nigerians are not denied similar opportunities because of financial barriers.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by expanding access to technology, boosting productivity and supporting local manufacturing.
Mr Uzoma Nwagba, managing director and chief executive officer, CREDICORP, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce and digital transformation.
Mr Nwagba said that while improvements in internet connectivity and digital skills training have positioned Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, access to devices remains a major challenge preventing many young people from fully participating in the digital economy.
He explained that C.L.I.C.K.D. would bridge that gap by providing affordable consumer credit that enables beneficiaries to acquire laptops and other internet-enabled devices while they develop in-demand digital skills
Federal government has launched a N482.4 million investment fund to support 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups.
The initiative under the federal government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme was implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI).
The initiative in a statement said applications have been opened for Growth Lab, a 12-week acceleration programme that will select the 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups, from the six geopolitical zones, for intensive growth support, investment readiness training, and access to up to $350,000 in funding.
According to Ife Adebayo, national coordinator of the Programme, growth lab was designed to support startups that have achieved early traction and are seeking the expertise, networks, and investment required to scale following the implementation of Founders Lab.
“Growth Lab is the Startup Bridge accelerator programme, designed for startups that have developed an MVP and require structured support to scale. The programme focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals and preparing companies for external investment.
“The programme targets startup founders who are seeking the support, networks, expertise, and investment readiness required to accelerate growth and strengthen their position within the Nigerian innovation ecosystem,” he said.
He added that selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme (terms and conditions apply), and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.
“Eligible startups must be at the post-MVP stage, demonstrate evidence of market validation through users, customers, pilots, partnerships, waitlists or any other demand signals, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme,” he said.
The programme will run as an intensive 12-week hybrid experience, including virtual engagements and two physical weeks in Lagos focused on collaboration, learning, and business growth.
The statement said applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026.
According to him, female founders are strongly encouraged to apply. Selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria.
iDICE is a $618 million federal government initiative backed by international lenders to boost the technology and creative sectors.
It provides young entrepreneurs with business skills training, mentorship, and access to capital through funds and accelerator programs like the iDICE Startup Bridge.
Nigeria and The United Kingdom held the fourth Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) Dialogue at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, recently. The dialogue, an important pillar of the bilateral Strategic Partnership, was opened by the National Security Adviser to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, and the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell.
Building on the third dialogue hosted in London in July 2025, the fourth SDP dialogue included inter alia, regional and domestic security challenges, human rights and non-kinetic solutions, defence staff talks, cyber and hybrid threats, as well as cross-government discussions on strategic trends, counter terrorism, fraud and illicit finance. Senior representatives from across the Governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom participated, reflecting the breadth and extent of the partnership.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom agreed to deepen cooperation based on mutual accountability and delivery of commitments while working in a spirit of partnership.
Defence co-operation
The United Kingdom and Nigeria’s defence partnership continues to strengthen in the support of peace and stability in the region. Following on from the successes of previous SDP dialogues, the United Kingdom renewed its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s Armed Forces, including through efforts to counter the threat from Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), via joint doctrine, training, technical advice and lessons learning, as well as exploring the development of Special Operations Forces.
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, and for strengthening Nigeria’s Maritime Domain Awareness capability. Both parties recognised the success of the hydrography partnership. The United Kingdom committed to continue supporting the National Hydrographic Agency to enhance autonomy and regional influence.
Both governments underscored their shared commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Recognising the critical importance of regional stability and secure trade routes, both governments committed to aligning efforts to combat illicit maritime activities, and transnational threats. Nigeria and the United Kingdom also agreed to explore opportunities to strengthen their defence trade relationship.
Countering hybrid threats
Nigeria and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their cooperation on countering hybrid threats, including cyber security and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). Both sides welcomed progress under the existing Cyber Memorandum of Understanding [2024 to 2027] and agreed to further collaboration on threat intelligence sharing and a new phase of targeted programme partnership.
In this context, the United Kingdom and Nigeria recognised the challenged posed to open societies by hybrid threat actors and our shared assessment. Both countries committed to advancing a new structured framework for cooperation on countering hybrid threats.
This will include the advancement of concrete cyber resilience initiatives, a formalised intelligence-sharing mechanism, robust joint capability-building programmes, and cooperation on counter-hybrid threat strategies, in order to effectively counter mis/disinformation, cyber-attacks, transnational organised crime, and other hybrid threats, whilst upholding human rights and the rules-based international order. Both sides will seek to widen the conversation on hybrid threats.
Joint efforts will continue to build national capabilities, including through programme delivery and targeted support, while addressing developing risks, including from emerging technologies, and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its role in promoting regional resilience across West Africa.
Countering terrorism and violent extremism
Building on commitments agreed at the third dialogue, Nigeria and the United Kingdom agreed to deepen their partnership on counter terrorism and countering violent extremism. Both sides identified shared priority areas, including strengthening multi-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence and information exchange, as well as reinforcing crisis preparedness and protective security.
Both sides appreciated their continued collaboration on aviation security. The United Kingdom reinforced its support for capacity development efforts at Lagos and Abuja airports to build on progress made to date. Both sides agreed to continue working together in support of Nigeria’s efforts to roll-out the Multi-Agency Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell at the State level.
Continued cooperation will support the operationalisation of Nigeria’s counter terrorism architecture, particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre, alongside efforts to build capabilities in investigations, forensics and strategic communications. Both sides agreed to renew their support to Nigeria Police Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit with a technical needs assessment planned for late 2026.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have renewed their commitment to preventing violent extremism through non-kinetic approaches including Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and implementing a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to building sustainable peace under Nigeria’s national security framework. They welcomed the development of a national policy framework on DDR, and the United Kingdom committed to continuing support to implement the framework at national and state levels following formal sign-off.
Recognising the importance of justice in effective responses to terrorism, the United Kingdom welcomed the commitment and concrete actions by Nigeria to expedite terrorism cases through remote court proceedings, alongside other latest efforts to counter terrorism.
This includes the ongoing phases of mass trials at the Federal High Court, demonstrating Nigeria’s determination to deliver timely, effective, and human rights-compliant investigations and prosecutions of terrorism crimes. Both countries also committed to work together on human rights compliance and recognised the importance of transparency, accountability and respect for human rights as integral to effective counter terrorism cooperation.
Human rights and non-kinetic solutions
Nigeria and the United Kingdom reaffirmed the central role of human rights and non‑kinetic approaches in achieving sustainable security outcomes. Both sides welcomed progress since the third SDP dialogue and agreed to deepen cooperation on civilian protection, accountability, conflict prevention, and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
Both sides reviewed ongoing efforts, including Nigerian Armed Forces’ civilian harm mitigation measures, and underscored the importance of strengthening practices, ensuring transparent investigation of incidents, and embedding lessons learned to reduce harm and maintain public confidence. On accountability, both sides emphasised the need for robust mechanisms to investigate violations by both state and non-state actors.
The United Kingdom welcomed the involvement of the National Human Rights Commission with the Nigerian Air Force’s investigations into recent air strikes. The United Kingdom offered support to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission’s capacity to document and investigate abuses by non-state actors.
Recognising the importance of Nigeria’s upcoming national elections, both sides noted the importance of effective election security before, during and after polls, including efforts to protect voters and institutions, public order management in line with international standards, and reducing the risk of violence.
On preventing conflicts and violent extremism, both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening early warning and early response systems, improving coordination, and strengthening ability of peacebuilding agencies to ensure timely preventive action. On WPS, both sides welcomed progress on Nigeria’s third National Action Plan and committed to advancing participation, protection, and prevention, with the United Kingdom’s continued support for implementation. The United Kingdom offered continued technical assistance in support of Nigeria’s relevant national and state-level strategies in these areas.
Both sides agreed to explore a National Counter Terrorism Centre led quarterly working-level mechanism, with the National Human Rights Commission, to track progress on session agreements and reaffirmed their shared commitment to accountability, transparency, and civilian protection.
Fraud and illicit finance
Building on commitments agreed at the third Security and Defence Partnership dialogue and the State Visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to London thereafter, the United Kingdom and Nigeria reiterated their shared ambition to tackle fraud and illicit finance.
Both sides welcomed progress on strengthening cooperation, including efforts to enhance public–private partnerships, increase capabilities to jointly tackle fraud, improve asset recovery processes and oversight of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies, as well as recognised the growing relationship between illicit financial networks and hybrid threats.
Further collaboration will focus on enhancing mechanisms to support informal bilateral and international cooperation, including timely operational engagements on relevant requests, while addressing evolving fraud threats through strengthened intelligence exchange, joint analysis and coordinated enforcement action. A joint action plan will advance delivery against shared priorities.
Both countries also committed to continued capacity building to support investigation, prosecution and judicial responses, reinforcing a coordinated approach to protect the members of the public in Nigeria and the United Kingdom from serious and organised fraud and financial crimes. Nigeria and the United Kingdom committed to continuing efforts to embody regional and global leadership on the issue of fraud.
Regional security co-operation
Nigeria and the United Kingdom exchanged views on the evolving regional and domestic security environment, noting the deteriorating situation in the Sahel and its impact across West Africa. Both sides reaffirmed Nigeria’s prominence and role as a key factor in promoting peace and stability across Africa over the years.
To this end, both sides agreed upon the importance of Nigeria leveraging its regional relationships and its participation in significant regional platform including through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and emphasised the importance of continued outreach and collaboration with countries in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The United Kingdom and Nigeria welcomed the analytical exchange on security and hybrid threats held in advance of the Forth SDP and committed to continuing these as part of future dialogues. Against this backdrop, both countries reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation on regional security.
The United Kingdom welcomed the efforts of Nigeria on progress made towards transitioning the National Counter Terrorism Centre to a Regional Centre of Excellence. The United Kingdom expressed its continued support to Nigeria’s regional counter terrorism efforts and welcomed Nigeria’s decision to join the International CT Academy in Ivory Coast (AILCT) to share its expertise across West Africa and the Sahel. The importance of strengthening coordination, information sharing and burden-sharing between regional initiatives were recognised.
Both sides acknowledged the increasing cross-border nature of threats, alongside the impact of hybrid challenges on regional stability, and agreed to work together to support effective regional leadership and partnership.
Implementation and accountability
Finally, Nigeria and the United Kingdom emphasised the importance of sustained delivery and structured engagement to ensure progress on agreed priorities. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, through ongoing monitoring of implementation and continued cross-government collaboration.
To support this, officials were tasked to take forward agreed actions and to review progress ahead of the next Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, to be hosted by the United Kingdom in 2027. It was agreed the Dialogue will continue to support delivery of the United Kingdom–Nigeria Strategic Partnership as well as provide a platform to strengthen cooperation across shared security and defence priorities.
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