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 initiative reflects Lagos State’s sustained commitment to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem and strengthening the talent pipeline that will drive the future of work.

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s growing demand for digitally skilled professionals, the Career Pavilion serves as a practical bridge between talent and real employment opportunities.

It provides a structured pathway for students, graduates, job seekers, and early-career professionals to explore emerging roles, gain in-demand competencies, and connect directly with employers shaping the country’s innovation landscape.

What Participants Will Gain

The Pavilion delivers an end-to-end career-building experience through:

• Mentorship Sessions: Personalized guidance from industry leaders, HR executives, and seasoned professionals offering insights on career growth and workplace readiness.
• Networking Corridors: Direct engagement with recruiters, founders, and hiring managers searching for new talent.
• Skills Training & Certifications: Hands-on workshops and certification tracks across high-demand digital and soft-skill areas.
• Career Advisory Clinics: On-site CV reviews, interview coaching, portfolio assessments, and structured career planning support.
• Talent Matching Opportunities: Access to internships, entry-level roles, and employment pipelines powered by innovative matching platforms.

Key Features of the Pavilion

• Career Insights Breakouts: Expert-led discussions unpacking emerging tech roles, changing workforce dynamics, and the future of work.
• Talent Matching Forum: A curated space that connects job-ready participants with employers driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
• Professional Certification Tracks: Industry-recognized training designed to enhance credibility, employability, and long-term career mobility.
• Mentorship Clinics: One-on-one sessions to support decision-making, upskilling strategies, and career clarity.

Expected Impact

The Career Pavilion is positioned to deliver measurable outcomes, including:

• Increased awareness of new and future-ready roles enabled by technology.
• Stronger alignment between talent and industry needs, boosting employability outcomes.
• Enhanced understanding of career pathways within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
• Improved skills, confidence, and competitiveness for participants pursuing upward career mobility.

Whether participants are transitioning into tech, expanding their skills, or seeking meaningful entry points into the job market, the Career Pavilion provides the platform, network, and resources to unlock new possibilities.

Registration & Participation

Join us at AOT Lagos 7.0 and take the next step toward a future powered by innovation and opportunity.

Visit here for registration and event details.

Terrence Wu, the Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria Limited made the promise during the Art of Technology Lagos 5.0 held at Landmark Event Centre yesterday with the theme “The Creative Economy and a Digital Lagos”.

Wu said the firm was committed to achieving a fully connected and digitally inclusive Nigeria by boosting ICT infrastructure with quality and innovative solutions tailored to local needs and equipping the youth with ICT knowledge and skills.

He said digitalization creates social, economic, industrial, and business value.

According to him, a digital government is a service-oriented government that is more efficient and promotes the development of a peaceful and inclusive society.

“Transition to a digital government is set to facilitate the achievement of two SDGs, namely SDG 10 – ‘Reduced Inequalities’ and SDG 16 – ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’. In addition, digital technology can improve people’s lives by driving long-term, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, promoting productive employment, and enabling people to do their jobs more effectively, which is closely related to SDG 3 – Good Health and well-being,” he said.

He added: “Thankfully, in such an era of rapid digital iteration, the Federal Ministry of Communications of Nigeria and the State Government of Lagos have issued policies and initiatives to address this digital era. It is these policies and initiatives that support the “digital public foundation” of Nigeria and the State Government of Lagos.

“In this digital public foundation, emerging technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain are constantly fermenting and bred.

“At the same time, these emerging technologies are constantly changing existing industries and giving rise to innovative enterprises and new economies. An innovative economic track is quietly taking shape and expanding rapidly, leading Nigeria and Lagos state governments to a better future.

“Next, I would like to share with you how cloud computing, 8K/VR, and digital humans bring new efficiency, new experience, and new evolution to the media industry.

“In the first case, we all know that special effects shots of movies require 3D modeling, editing, rendering, and asset management. MacroGraph used Huawei’s public cloud computing service to produce special effects shots for science fiction movies wandering the earth. They found that what used to take a week to render now takes only one day, greatly improving efficiency.

“In the second case, there is a program called Dance Storm in China, which uses the Flying Cat + VR technology to realize the function of its own perspective, and distributes it to traditional TV, mobile phones, and computers through the video platform. Users can use naked eyes or devices to reflect VR vision, and can also choose their own viewing angle, bringing new experiences to users.

“The program also gained ratings: Top 3 views, 530+ million hits, an average conversion rate of members: 10.79% effect.

“The third case is how to create new content to attract audiences in the era of media content explosion. China’s Hunan TV station uses Huawei Cloud Virtual Human Solution technology to deliver top digital human IP within four weeks, achieving rapid innovation in new content scenarios.

“There is an ancient Chinese saying, ‘A single tree does not make a forest, a single string does not make a sound’.”

In today’s digital era, this is particularly important. Huawei needs to work with its partners and enterprises to leverage the advantages of Huawei’s digital foundation.

“We will work together to help digital innovation in Nigeria and Lagos, help Lagos’ “THEMES+” strategy, consolidate the “digital public foundation” of Nigeria and Lagos, and work with partners to create a bright future for the ‘innovative economy and digital Lagos,” he said.

Meanwhile, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, said the State Government is implementing the deployment of a 6,000km of Fibre Metro Network connection across the state.