“MyLagos App,” which was launched with fanfare by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with MTN Nigeria has remained  unavailable for download on app stores, raising questions about its immediate accessibility.

Hours after its official introduction on March 13, a search on Google PlayStore for the app returned the message, “No results for MyLagos App.”

Similarly, attempts to locate it on the Apple Store yielded no results, prompting concerns over the rollout’s status.

The digital platform was introduced as a comprehensive solution to enhance city navigation and improve the overall experience for Lagos residents.

It was touted to provide essential features, including real-time traffic updates, personalized navigation, emergency services, utility payments, business listings, and tourism information.

This reporter’s attempt to download the app proved unsuccessful. Furthermore, tests by Lagos-based individuals mirrored these findings, suggesting the app may not yet be publicly accessible.

The absence of the app has sparked speculation: could it be a work in progress, or was its availability restricted post-launch for undisclosed reasons?

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, described the app as a revolutionary tool aimed at improving governance and service delivery.

“Technology has evolved from being a luxury to a necessity. In our fast-paced world, effectively utilising technology can significantly enhance governance, improve service delivery, and simplify the lives of every resident in this vibrant state.

“With the launch of the MyLagos App, Lagos State is poised to remain at the forefront of digital transformation, not just in Nigeria but across Africa,” he said.

Abdulhakeem Giwa, manager of Digital Channel Management, MTN Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the app’s potential to transform urban living and enhance navigation for residents.

While the app’s unavailability casts doubt on its immediate implementation, stakeholders remain optimistic about its promised benefits once fully operational. Whether technical challenges or strategic decisions have delayed its rollout remains unclear.

National Social Investment Management System (NASIMS) has leaked millions of federal government records in a major system oversight  which could be exploited by cyber criminals.

NASIMS is the central management platform for the administration and coordination of Social Investment Programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development

The major leak exposed everything from home addresses to work backgrounds of  tens of millions of Nigerians

According to the Cybernews research team, the exposed AWS S3 bucket stored over 23 million files, including passports, birth certificates, educational certificates, and N-Power-submitted applications.

N-Power is a social welfare scheme to combat youth unemployment. N-Power applicants use the NASIMS platform to apply to take part in the program.

“The implications of exposing 23 million application-related documents of N-Power candidates could be severe for the affected individuals. Identity theft, fraud, and targeted phishing attacks are the most likely risks for the leaks’ victims,” Cybernews research team said.

According to Cybernews research team, “Worryingly, the instance remains open to the public, even after multiple attempts to reach NASIMS administrators and relevant authorities in Nigeria. We have also reached out to the ministry behind NASIMS for a comment and will update the article once we receive a reply”

What data leaked, and why is it dangerous?

Documents stored on the exposed instance include different sets of citizens’ data. However, the team surmised that the leak revealed:

Full names

Dates of birth

Places of birth

National Identification Number (NIN)

Email addresses

Phone numbers

Home addresses

Work background

Education background

Exposing sensitive and personal data poses numerous threats to the individuals involved.

Most pressingly, attackers might utilize the information for identity theft and various fraud schemes. For one, malicious actors could try opening fraudulent bank accounts or use stolen identities for illicit activities, masking their own IDs.

“Another way attackers can exploit similar data sets is by exploiting the identities to access financial services or execute unauthorized transactions, potentially causing long-term financial damage to the victims,” Cybernews research team said.

Cybercrooks could also exploit the leak to carry out targeted phishing and social engineering attacks.

For example, malicious actors could attempt to masquerade as legitimate organizations in order to deceive individuals into providing even more sensitive data – such as login credentials – or downloading malware.

“The implications of exposing 23 million application-related documents of N-Power candidates could be severe for the affected individuals. Identity theft, fraud, and targeted phishing attacks are the most likely risks for the leaks’ victims.”

The leaks’ nature empowers attackers to craft spear-phishing attacks custom-made for each individual or group of individuals. Such attacks are hard to distinguish, as they often include targets’ personal details and other data points meant to lure in unsuspecting victims.

“Criminals could use the exposed data to offer fake job opportunities or promise assistance with the N-Power application process in exchange for payments or additional personal information, exploiting the candidates’ vulnerabilities,” the team explained.

Additional attack vectors involve risks to victims’ physical safety. For example, criminals could exploit leaked data to locate and target victims for various malicious purposes, such as stalking, harassment, or even burglary.

To avoid similar leaks in the future, Cybernews research team advised:

Change the access controls to restrict public access and secure the bucket. Update permissions to ensure that only authorized users or services have the necessary access.

Monitor retrospectively access logs to assess whether the bucket has been accessed by unauthorized actors.

Enable server-side encryption to protect data at rest.

Use AWS Key Management Service (KMS) to manage encryption keys securely.

Implement SSL/TLS for data in transit to ensure secure communication.

Consider implementing security’s best practices, such as regular audits, automated security checks, and employee training.

MTN Group, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government (LASG), has launched MyLagosApp, an innovative mobile application designed to improve productivity, enhance connectivity, and transform the lifestyle of Lagos residents.

It also aims to provide a centralised digital hub for accessing essential services, fostering a more efficient and connected Lagos.

Speaking at the official inauguration in Lagos, Karl Toriola, chief executive officer MTN Nigeria, described the app as a one-stop platform for information, services, entertainment, and hospitality.

He highlighted its role in facilitating e-governance and providing essential services to both residents and visitors.

“This app offers access to various services, including restaurant and accommodation reservations, transport options—both land and water—library access, and e-governance solutions. It is designed to simplify life for Lagosians while promoting efficiency and productivity,” Toriola said.

He emphasised that technological innovations like MyLagosApp drive economic growth by increasing productivity and improving societal well-being. He noted that Lagos, classified as a hyper-city with over 20 million residents, has the potential to become Africa’s most important city.

Toriola also revealed that Lagos State’s economy is larger than that of Kenya and reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to deepening investment in Nigeria. He disclosed plans to build a new headquarters in Eko Atlantic City and establish West Africa’s most advanced data centre, addressing the region’s need for large-scale tech infrastructure.

At a Fireside Chat, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, noted that MyLagosApp would support the state’s multimodal transport policy, leveraging user data and feedback to enhance urban mobility.

Aisha Mumuni, chief digital officer, MTN, reiterated the company’s dedication to seamless connectivity despite power challenges, calling for increased collaboration to boost digital literacy.

Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, highlighted Lagos’ daily waste production of 13,000 tonnes and suggested that the app could aid waste management through advocacy, enforcement, and regulation.