Addressing policymakers, innovators, and educators, Dr Afolabi stressed the urgent need for collaboration between innovation and governance. “Look at how these technologies will come together again to help shape the world we live in, and, of course, help drive innovation,” he said.

He noted the scale of the challenge: “Lagos State has 10% of Nigeria’s population on just 3% of its land mass. For food security, we need to ensure that we’re thinking of smarter ways using technology to change the way we live.”

Dr Afolabi drew attention to the transformative potential of technology across multiple sectors. “Imagine the same in e-commerce. Imagine the same in manufacturing, power, healthcare, robotics, and agriculture. These are the things that will transform our state,” he said. 

He also pointed to innovations showcased at the event, including electric bikes, tricycles, precision farming, and vertical farming solutions, emphasising the role of practical solutions in urban sustainability.

The Eko Innovation Centre founder stressed the importance of workforce development: “We need to upskill our people, which is our biggest asset, get the policymakers to put the policies in place, and get the ecosystem people who are doing business to do their work, and the magic is going to happen.”

Dr Afolabi also placed Lagos in a global context, warning of urbanisation trends: “The next 50 years will see 80% of people living in global cities. Lagos must be ready.” 

He framed the city as an economic hub, currently among the top seven largest GDPs in Africa, and also as a future leader in innovation and technology.

The event also engaged over a thousand youths in future-ready courses and provided a platform for educators and innovators to explore solutions for a sustainable Lagos. 

At AOT Lagos 7.0, Dr Afolabi concluded by urging attendees to actively participate in building the city’s technological and economic future.

Speaking at the opening of Art of Technology (AOT) 7.0 today, Thursday December 4, at the Landmark Event Centre, the Deputy Governor noted that this year’s theme, “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos,” aligns with the state’s goal of building a mega-city that is digital, resilient, inclusive and competitive on a global scale.

While addressing innovators, policymakers, and partners, Hamzat shed light on measurable results from ongoing smart-city projects. 

The intelligent transport system and automated traffic enforcement have reduced traffic violations by around 30%. “With the safe-city intelligent video surveillance network, the Nigerian Police has achieved over 10 major operational successes in security, criminal investigation and traffic management,” he said, describing the impact of real-time monitoring.

Connectivity has expanded quickly. Between 2020 and 2024, the government deployed 2,500 kilometres of fibre optics, providing low-cost broadband and cloud infrastructure. 

Over 1 million homes and businesses gained new or improved connectivity in that period, supporting one of Africa’s fastest-growing data economies.

Digital governance is also evolving. More than 16 ministries, departments and agencies now offer citizen-facing services such as licensing, tax processing, permits and public records through a single portal, which receives about 10,000 daily visitors. 

Hamzat said the portal is moving toward a unified platform to make government interaction faster and more transparent.

On research and innovation, Hamzat spoke of the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), which has committed nearly ₦2 billion to fund innovators, researchers, and startups. 

Over 75 ventures across sectors including agritech, climate tech, construction tech and edtech have received grants or support. “That pipeline of ideas and talent is the engine of our long-term competitiveness,” he said.

Data security is also a priority. The Lagos State Cyber Security Council, the first sub-national body of its kind in Nigeria, has been commissioned to develop a cybersecurity framework for government systems, businesses and citizens. 

Its members include private-sector experts, tech company leaders, regulators and researchers. Hamzat emphasised: “We are not just building technology. We must also secure it.”

Speaking further, the Deputy Governor discussed the Lagos Innovation Bill. Once passed, it will make innovation a permanent part of the state’s economic strategy, strengthening intellectual property protection, expanding funding for research, and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute through innovationbill.lagosstate.gov.ng.

At AOT Lagos 7.0, Hamzat also pointed to plans for artificial intelligence in predictive governance, healthcare, traffic optimisation, water management, flood monitoring, waste management, and other areas of environmental sustainability. 

He said the state is deploying smart mobility solutions to address congestion in a city that occupies less than 0.4% of Nigeria’s land but hosts 10% of its population.

He concluded by inviting all stakeholders, including investors, researchers, private companies and citizens, to partner with the government in building a “smarter, safer, greener mega-city, a data economy that creates jobs and prosperity.”

Through these initiatives, Lagos aims to set a global example for how technology, governance and sustainability can combine to improve lives and strengthen the local economy.

The Awards honor visionary leaders and pioneering innovators whose creativity and resilience continue to transform Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, fostering sustainable systems, empowering communities, and accelerating digital transformation across the country.

Celebrating Nigeria’s Tech Trailblazers

The Awards are designed to spotlight excellence across a diverse range of categories, reflect the dynamism of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, and inspire continued innovation.

Award nominations are open to the public, with submissions managed by a distinguished Award Council and voting via the official portal, ensuring an inclusive and transparent recognition process.

Key Award Categories Include:

• Technology Personality of the Year: Celebrating an exceptional leader whose vision and innovation have significantly advanced Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
• Local Investor of the Year: Honouring organisations whose strategic investments and mentorship have fueled local innovation.
• Women in Tech Award: Spotlighting outstanding women shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
• Best Customer Service Startup: Recognizing startups setting new standards in customer experience and trust-building.
• Startup of the Year: Celebrating high-growth startups demonstrating innovation, execution, and measurable impact.
• Social Innovation Award: Highlighting tech-driven solutions addressing societal challenges.
• Tech Journalist of the Year: Honoring storytelling and analysis that deepen understanding of Nigeria’s tech evolution.
• CleanTech Innovation Award: Recognizing technologies advancing environmental sustainability.
• Sustainable Mobility Award: Honoring innovations driving greener, smarter transportation.
• Inclusive Tech Award: Recognizing solutions bridging the digital divide and promoting equity.
• AI & Robotics Excellence Award: Celebrating groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation.

Join the Movement

The voting portal is now officially open here.

Be part of Nigeria’s most prestigious celebration of technology and innovation. Cast your vote and help recognize the trailblazers shaping the nation’s digital future.

This year’s edition offers a ₦25 million prize pool, comprising cash, mentorship, investor access, and ecosystem visibility, to empower founders building transformative ventures in key impact sectors.

Driving Innovation Beyond Funding

At its core, Collaborate Lagos is designed to bridge the gap between startups and the strategic capital, partnerships, and networks they need to thrive.

The platform recognizes that innovation does not only flourish with financial backing; it requires access to markets, knowledge-sharing, and trusted relationships.

By bringing together startups, investors, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, Collaborate Lagos provides fertile ground for transformative ideas to scale into sustainable businesses.

Unlocking Opportunities Across Sectors

The 2025 edition will focus on high-impact sectors critical to Lagos’s future, including:

•    AgriTech: Deploying smart farming and aquaculture innovations to boost food security.
•    HealthTech: Advancing healthcare delivery through medical devices, digital health, and biotech solutions.
•    Sustainable Mobility: Designing green transport systems, electric mobility, and smart grids for cleaner cities.
•    EdTech: Harnessing immersive technologies such as AR/VR to transform learning experiences.
•    GreenTech & Clean Energy: Accelerating renewable energy adoption and carbon reduction systems.

What Participants Can Expect

•      Access to Funding: Compete for exclusive investment opportunities and the ₦25 million prize pool.
•     Expanded Market Reach: Gain visibility at Lagos’s largest tech and innovation gathering.
•     Enriching Collaborations: Network with investors, corporates, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
•    Capacity Building: Participate in expert-led workshops and mentorship sessions tailored for growth.

Call for Applications

Collaborate Lagos 2025 is more than a competition, it is a commitment to building the future of Lagos through innovation and sustainable growth. Startups ready to scale their impact are encouraged to apply.

Submission Deadline: November 7, 2025
 Register now: https://aotlagos.com/collaborate-lagos/