In a bid to cement its position as a leading hub for innovation and technological advancement on the continent, the Lagos State Government is undertaking some ambitious initiatives and projects aimed at putting the state at the forefront of the digital revolution.
This was made known by the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), Olatubonsun Alake, during an engagement with critical stakeholders on the proposed Lagos Innovation Policy, today, at the Eko Innovation Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Speaking to key industry players, policymakers, government officials, venture capitalists, startups, and technology experts, among others, Alake unveiled a host of ambitious initiatives and projects aimed at driving Lagos to the forefront of the digital revolution. Among the highlights was the MetroFibre Project, a massive undertaking that seeks to establish a robust digital infrastructure by deploying 3,000 kilometers of optic fiber and optic fiber ducts across the state.
Among the stakeholders present at the occasion are Adaora Ikenze – Director, Public Policy, Meta; Prof. Peter Bankole – COO, Pan Atlantic University and LASRIC Member; Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho – Founder, Futuresoft; LASRIC and Alex-Adedipe Adeleke – DOA Law, among others.
He spoke also on the Safe City Project, which involves the strategic deployment of intelligent video cameras at key locations across Lagos state exemplifies the state’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance security and create a safer environment for businesses to thrive.
In a bid to bolster the state’s technological prowess, he added that the government has embarked on the construction of a state-of-the-art Tier 3 data center in partnership with the private sector. This initiative not only aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of government services but also positions Lagos as a sought-after destination for technological investments in West Africa.
Alake also shed light on the ongoing digitization of government services, a move that promises to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility while reducing operational costs and promoting environmental sustainability.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing homegrown talent and innovation, the presentation highlighted initiatives such as the Lagos Innovation Bill – for which the stakeholder engagement was being held, and the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC). These efforts are designed to create a robust ecosystem that supports and nurtures innovation, drives economic growth, and creates employment opportunities.
The honourable commissioner also expressed the state’s commitment to cybersecurity, with the unveiling of a cybersecurity project aimed at enhancing digital safety and protecting the state’s infrastructure from cyber threats. This initiative involves establishing a Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC), collaborating with leading cybersecurity firms and international organizations, and investing in training and capacity building for local IT professionals.
He also highlighted the success of initiatives such as the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT), an annual tech conference that brings together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and technology talent to shape policies that will drive the development of a smarter Lagos and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID) which is a crucial component of the state’s efforts to improve governance, efficiency, and service delivery.
Earlier in his welcome address, Victor Afolabi, Chief Executive Officer of the Eko Innovation Centre emphasized the significance of the stakeholder engagement as a co-creation event, where collective deliberation would shape the regulatory incentives and create an inclusive innovation ecosystem. He commended the commissioner’s vision and commitment to advancing innovation in Lagos State, describing the state as the innovation engine room of the country and a globally recognized hub for innovation.
The highly engaging and robust stakeholder engagement witnessed active participation from government agencies, the private sector, development agencies, and other key stakeholders. The event featured five breakout sessions, where participants made actionable recommendations and proffered realistic solutions to contribute to the framework of the proposed Lagos Innovation Bill.
