He made this known today, Thursday, December 4, at the ongoing Art of Technology Lagos 7.0, holding at the Landmark Event Centre.

Themed “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos”, AOT Lagos 7.0 marks seven years of bringing together the city’s full innovation ecosystem, including founders, developers, entrepreneurs, financiers, academia, and policy-makers. 

Over those years the state has built a solid and broad infrastructure. “We are the de facto IT department for Lagos State,” Alake said, “managing connectivity, data centres, ERP systems, smart-city implementation, and driving public-service digitisation through government.”

Among the State’s achievements he disclosed that between 2019 and 2024, Lagos-based tech startups attracted over $6 billion in funding, representing more than 70% of Nigeria’s total tech investment inflows. 

Alake said that today the ecosystem is roughly valued at $15.3 billion, with Lagos accounting for 80–90% of the country’s startups, making it “the largest startup concentration on the continent.”

He explained how the state government is supporting this boom. Through Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), more than 75 startups have been funded, and over 85 research and development initiatives across four to five major universities are currently supported. 

Some of these initiatives have already produced commendable results, including research patents and spin-off companies in areas like climate resilience, green energy, agritech and construction tech.

In addressing infrastructure, Alake disclosed that Lagos now has about 15,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables, having expanded connectivity by roughly 500 km per year on average. 

This fibre backbone supports public schools, hospitals, government buildings and businesses, a foundation for a truly digital Lagos.

On the public-service side, Alake pointed to the success of the Lagos State Digital Service Portal, launched at last year’s AOT. The portal has recorded over 50,000 unique visitors in the past 60 days alone, enabling citizens to file taxes, apply for planning permits or digital identity, and access other government services online. 

He said work is underway to enhance the portal into a unified gateway for all citizen and business services.

At AOT 7.0, Alake also announced the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Bill, a legal and regulatory framework designed to embed innovation in the state’s economic DNA. 

Once passed, the Bill will, among other things, require large companies in sectors such as telecoms, energy and infrastructure to collaborate with universities and research institutions when seeking solutions. 

For example, building local capacity to design base stations rather than importing equipment.

By 2030, Lagos plans to increase the contribution of IT and innovation to the state economy by 100%, and stimulate a 50% rise in scientific research and invention directed at solving Lagos-specific challenges. 

Alake said, “If you have a technical problem, Lagos is the place to solve it,” stressing that this vision requires “coordination, collaboration, and all of us, working hard, putting aside differences, and moving on shared vision.” 

He called on everyone in the ecosystem, including the government, private sector, academia, investors, and citizens, to contribute.

The ultimate goal is to make innovation a permanent feature of Lagos’ economic and social life.

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.

Hosted concurrently on 3-4 September 2025 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and Landmark Centre respectively, these landmark events heralded a new era for Nigeria’s digital aspirations, firmly placing Lagos, and indeed the entire nation, on the global innovation map.

The city, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and ambitions, buzzed with an electrifying energy as over 20,000 visitors, 3,000 tech professionals, and nearly 1,000 startups converged.

It was, as described by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, “the commercial economic now centre of our country, the beating heart of Africa, the digital and becoming renters of our time”.

A Crucible of Unicorns and Innovation

Lagos’s meteoric rise in the tech world is undeniable. Between 2019 and 2024, the state attracted over $6 billion in direct foreign tech startup funding, accounting for more than 70% of Nigeria’s total tech inflows.

This massive investment underscores its appeal as Africa’s innovation capital and a launchpad for the continent’s future.

The city is not merely growing; it’s burgeoning, adding approximately 2,000 new residents daily, making it one of the fastest-growing cities globally.

Lagos has earned its reputation as a “factory of unicorns”. Currently, it is home to five unicorns, including Flutterwave, Interswitch,Paystack, Kuda Bank, and Opay, propelling its ecosystem valuation to approximately $15 billion – a staggering 11.6 times increase since 2017.

These companies, born from solving “real African challenges,” now compete on a global scale. The Commissioner for Innovation & Technology, Tubosun Alake, confirmed that by October 2024, 2,000 startups now call Lagos home, and in 2024 alone, Nigerian startups raised over $400 million.

Furthermore, 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies, as recognised by the Financial Times, are based in Lagos. This dynamism has led to Lagos being ranked the fastest emerging technology city in the worldby deal.com earlier this year.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, further highlighted that Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has become the country’s fastest-growing contributor to GDP, consistently contributing between 16-18% today, up from less than 5% a decade ago.

He confidently projected this figure to reach 21-22% by 2027, already surpassing the oil and gas sector.

Dr. Dahlia Khalifa, regional director at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), described Lagos as “one of the most dynamic hubs of innovation in Africa and dare I say the world,” a place that “represents creativity, resilience and ambition and it delivers”. Indeed, the city hosts hyperscale data centres, submarine cables, and extensive fibre infrastructure.

Resilience: The Driving Force

The spirit of Lagos and its people is marked by extraordinary resilience.

Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, organisers of GITEX Nigeria, noted that while startups in other economies “innovate because they want to, it’s nice to have,” here, “the startups and the SMEs are creating solutions to problems that is born out of necessity and survival”.

This “resilience DNA,” she stated, is “world class,” enabling businesses to thrive despite challenges such as power outages, currency fluctuations, and developing infrastructure.

This tenacity is deeply ingrained in Lagosians, who view problems as common denominators and opportunities for innovation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu celebrated the city’s diversity, stating, “It’s only in Lagos that you can dream as an Hausa boy. You can code in whatever language, you can pitch in yoruba and you can still understand English fluently”. This melting pot fosters a startup ecosystem now ranked among the most vibrant globally.

Investing in the Future: Youth and Government Support

The youthful population is Lagos’s greatest competitive advantage. With over 50% of Africans under the age of 25, the continent boasts one of the largest pools of digital natives worldwide.

The Lagos State Government actively nurtures this talent through initiatives like the Lagos State Science and Innovation Council (LASIC), which provides grants of up to N80 million annually for startups.

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor, recounted the success of “She Mobility,” an app developed by young Nigerians to provide structured funding for car sales, which has raised nearly $100 million.

The government’s vision, as articulated by Governor Sanwo-Olu, is that “governance in the 21st century must be digital, inclusive and data-driven”.

This approach is not new; the Commissioner for Innovation & Technology highlighted that foundational work was laid years ago with the successful implementation of one of Nigeria’s first government Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems using Oracle database, a feat many Fortune 500 companies failed to achieve. This demonstrated a long-standing commitment to leveraging technology for governance.

Innovations like the integrated transport payment card, designed by 27-28 year olds, now used by over 6.5 million Lagosians across rail, waterways, buses, and taxis, exemplify this commitment. Lagos, with an estimated metro population of over 22 million people, offers unmatched access to a vast and digitally engaged market. The city’s density, proximity to institutions, scale, and public sector friendliness make it easier to build businesses.

The national government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also embraced the digital economy as a key driver of inclusive growth, ensuring technology expands opportunities and reduces inequality for all Nigerians.

The 3MTT initiative, a global programme, is preparing young people not just for Nigerian jobs, but for global opportunities.

The Lagos Pavilion: A Hub of Homegrown Innovation

During the Expo, the Lagos State Government showcased its commitment to fostering local talent and innovation at its dedicated Lagos Pavilion.

Ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Ministry of Health, and others, demonstrated their latest innovations that have streamlined governance and positioned the state at the forefront in Africa.

The pavilion served as a dynamic platform for discovery, inviting all attendees to witness firsthand the possibilities of digital transformation.

Critically, the Lagos State Government also organised its own startup pitches at the pavilion, featuring young entrepreneurs presenting solutions across diverse sectors such as Fintech, Foodtech, healthcare, and education.

The government affirmed its plans to support these startups with funding, leveraging initiatives like the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

This direct engagement allowed visitors to see why Lagos is considered not just a city for today, but a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow.

A Cultural Extravaganza

Beyond its technological prowess, Lagos leveraged GITEX Nigeria to showcase its rich cultural heritage. Attendees were treated to vibrant cultural displays, traditional music, and dance performances that filled the air with excitement. The welcome reception dinner, hosted by the Lagos State Government at the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History, delighted guests with local cuisines like Jollof rice, suya, egusi soup, and pounded yam. Many guests, experiencing this cultural fusion for the first time, expressed eagerness to return and explore further.

As Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, remarked, “Lagos stands tall as a global destination blessed with a rich cultural and historic heritage, diverse traditions, a thriving art scene, an energetic nightlife and culinary experiences that capture the true essence of creativity”. This cultural fusion, coupled with the global impact of Nollywood and Afrobeat, highlights Lagos not just as a tech hub, but as Africa’s “creative fast”.

GITEX: A Bridge to Global Opportunity

The journey of GITEX to Nigeria began when Governor Sanwo-Olu, “wowed” by GITEX Africa in Marrakesh two years prior, challenged organisers to bring the international conference to Lagos. National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), DG Kashifu Inuwa proudly declared, “Today we are delivering on your challenge. For me, GITEX Nigeria is not just another conference. It is a declaration that Nigeria, we are ready to lead in the future economy”.

Trixie LohMirmand affirmed GITEX’s commitment to providing access to “underserved, understated but yet very auspicious and inspiring communities” like Nigeria, asserting that GITEX does not shy away from challenges.

The event, she explained, is “turning the attention of the world towards Nigeria,” offering young Nigerians invaluable exposure to international investors, benchmarking against global competitors, and mentorship opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.

The Deputy Governor highlighted the immense support received, noting that despite initial trepidation, 78 countries participated, making it “amazing”.

Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, the commissioner for Innovation & Technology underscored that Lagos’s pace, ambition, and innovation are actively “redefining Africa’s tech narrative,” inviting visitors to be “collaborators in Nigeria’s tech revolution”.

GITEX Nigeria 2025 stands as a testament to the nation’s bold ambition and strategic vision. As Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, once said, “the best way to predict the future is to create it”.

With the successful hosting of GITEX, Lagos and Nigeria are not just predicting the future; they are actively building it, demonstrating an unwavering resolve to lead Africa’s digital transformation and contribute significantly to the global economy. As Commissioner Alake concluded, “Lagos, as you well know, is ready to lead”.

In his remarks, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the outgoing LASRIC board led by Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe for laying a solid foundation.

He noted that over the past four years, LASRIC created over 500 jobs by supporting innovative startups, aided over 70 research and development initiatives, and increased innovation activity within the state by over 250%.

Notably, LASRIC secured the government’s first patent through a multidisciplinary team from the University of Lagos working on the Ambubag Ventilator.

The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat outlined six key areas of focus for the reconstituted LASRIC.

These include promoting an environment conducive to innovation through increased funding, strategic collaborations, capacity-building initiatives, and a resolute focus on locally relevant solutions, among others. He also challenged academics in the council to leverage LASRIC to better focus and translate their students’ research and thesis into entrepreneurial innovations with global impact.

The council, chaired by Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, comprises distinguished academics, scientists, tech entrepreneurs, and public sector leaders including Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Yaba; Prof. Benjamin Aribisala, Director at Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research and Lecturer at Lagos State University and Prof. Peter Bamkole, Chief Operating Officer, Pan Atlantic University and Mr. Victor Afolabi, Founder of Eko Innovation Centre.

Others are Sulaimon Abubakar, CEO of Sterling Bank; Mrs. Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, Founder, Women Tech Empowerment Centre; Nkemdilim Begho, CEO of Future Soft Resource Ltd.; Tomi Davies, Collaborator in Chief, TVC Lab and Kola Aina, Founding Partner at Venture Platform. The public sector is represented by Hon. Tunbosun Alake, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST); Hon. Mosopefolu George, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget; Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu, Permanent Secretary (MIST).

To hit the ground running, the governor made a commitment of N1 billion to the council as the first tranche of a LASRIC Seed Fund to catalyze development in the state.

Earlier in his address, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for consistently advancing innovation and technology to enhance the quality of life for Lagosians.

Highlighting the tangible gains achieved thus far, he cited the success story of Pricepali, an agritech e-commerce company that received funding from LASRIC.

PricePadi has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its operations from Lagos to Abuja and Port Harcourt, establishing healthy profit margins, and creating numerous employment opportunities, thereby generating substantial economic value.

In response to questions from journalists regarding LASRIC’s funding focus areas, Alake emphasized that the council’s mandate encompasses a comprehensive analysis of all sectors within Lagos to identify opportunities for driving innovation and development.

Addressing the seed fund’s operational dynamics, Alake clarified that the initial N1 billion allocation is intended for exhaustion, after which additional funding will be sought.

He added that the government’s long-term vision involves providing annual funding for LASRIC, a goal that is currently being pursued through the development of a dedicated law to support statutory funding for the council’s initiatives.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Odusanya expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity and reaffirmed the council’s steadfast commitment to spearheading research efforts and creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation across various sectors within the state.

Echoing the council’s mission, Victor Afolabi, the Founder of the Eko Innovation Centre, a foremost private sector player renowned for accelerating startup businesses in the state, remarked,

“It is an honour to contribute my expertise to the development of the state and the country through my membership on the council, in addition to the initiatives we undertake at the Eko Innovation Centre. I have no doubt that the team assembled by Mr. Governor will deliver exceptional results.”

Nkemdilim Begho, the CEO of Future Soft Resource Ltd., a beneficiary of the LASRIC grant in 2020 and a two-time member of the LASRIC board, echoed similar sentiments.

She emphasized the urgency of swift action, stating, “I think the first thing is to really jump into it and get to work.”

Begho also highlighted the importance of strategic planning, suggesting, “Some of the other things to really look at are strategic directions on how we also look at emerging technologies like AI.

Aligning with the Deputy Governor’s vision, she proposed engaging with universities to align students’ thesis projects across levels within the state to ensure that funding is directed toward initiatives that create tangible impact.

Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the inauguration of the council and the N1 billion seed fund as proof  to the Lagos State Government’s commitment to empowering youth in the state.

She emphasized the evolving nature of the technology landscape, stating, “Gone are the days when people thought about information technology solely in terms of computer science; we now understand that information technology encompasses a vast array of disciplines, including cybersecurity, AI, software development, and more.”

Kasunmu encouraged the youth to explore niche areas that align with their interests, enabling them to contribute to the state’s digital and technological advancement, thereby keeping pace with global trends.

The event brought together key players from across sectors to deliberate on the proposed Lagos Innovation Policy Bill, a groundbreaking legislation that promises to catalyze innovation and foster an enabling environment for technological advancement.

The event, chaired by Mr. Olatubosun Alake, the commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, was an avenue for co-creation and collaboration, a move that has been variously been described as Lagos State Government’s commitment to an inclusive and participatory approach to policymaking.

Among the stakeholders present at the occasion are Adaora Ikenze – Director, Public Policy, Meta; Prof. Peter Bamkole – COO, Pan Atlantic University and LASRIC Member; Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho – founder, Futuresoft; LASRIC and Alex-Adedipe Adeleke – DOA Law, among others.

In his opening remarks, the honourable commissioner emphasized the important role of Lagos State in driving innovation investment in Nigeria and indeed, Africa, noting that approximately 70 to 80 percent of innovation funding flows into the state.

He stressed the urgency of establishing a robust policy framework that encourages continuous innovation investment and drives Lagos to the forefront of the digital revolution.

“This is because it can encourage or discourage continuous innovation investment in the state. Today’s engagement is in line with driving an innovation policy framework,” he said.

The commissioner also took his time to inundate all present with some of the initiatives of Ministry, as well as projects aimed at driving Lagos to the forefront of the digital revolution.

This includes the MetroFibre Project, a massive digital infrastructure undertaking that will deploy 3,000 kilometers of optic fiber and optic fiber ducts across the state.

He also highlighted the Safe City Project, which leverages intelligent video cameras to enhance security and create a safer environment for businesses to thrive.

Furthermore, the commissioner shed light on the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art Tier 3 data center in partnership with the private sector, the digitization of government services to enhance efficiency and transparency, and the state’s unwavering commitment to cybersecurity through the establishment of a Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) and capacity-building initiatives for local IT professionals.

Victor Afolabi, Chief Executive Officer of the Eko Innovation Centre, in his welcome address, 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.