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 launch event, attended by stakeholders from MTN, Lagos State Government officials, and members of the public, showcased the app’s features which could bolster how residents and visitors navigate and experience Lagos.

A Smart Solution for a Smart City

MyLagosApp is a one-stop platform designed to improve connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency for Lagosians. It provides a comprehensive range of services, from discovering local businesses and events to facilitating seamless transportation and digital payments.

The goal was to create an app that makes a difference and solves real-life problems for Lagosians, solving mobility challenges to discovering entertainment, businesses, and making payments, the app is built to redefine the Lagos experience.

MyLagosApp was developed by MTN’s in-house IT team in collaboration with local developers, leveraging MTN’s digital infrastructure to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Key Features of MyLagosApp

1. City Navigation and Real-Time Traffic Updates

Unlike traditional navigation apps, MyLagosApp provides users with real-time updates on traffic conditions and their causes, helping commuters make informed travel decisions. This is particularly important for Lagos, a city known for its bustling roads and unpredictable congestion.

2. Discovering Lagos – Events, Restaurants, and Businesses

The app provides users with a comprehensive directory of entertainment spots, restaurants, hotels, and local businesses. It aims to boost visibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by connecting them with potential customers.

3. Digital Payments and Government Services

Leveraging MTN’s fintech capabilities, the app enables users to pay for government levies, transport services, and other essential transactions effortlessly. This is expected to reduce cash dependency and streamline service delivery.

4. Emergency and Essential Services Access

In case of emergencies, users can quickly locate nearby hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and other critical services, making Lagos a safer and more responsive city.

5. Business & Employment Support 

SMEs and entrepreneurs can use the platform to register businesses, access funding opportunities, and apply for permits.

6. Waste Management & Environmental Services 

Report waste disposal issues, track LAWMA services, and access environmental policies.

7. E-Government & Civic Engagement 

The app ensures transparency by allowing residents to report infrastructure problems, participate in policy discussions, and engage with government officials.

Speaking at the launch event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, described MyLagosApp as a game changer for governance, saying:

“This app shows our zeal to leverage technology to make life easier for Lagosians. By digitising essential services, we are ensuring efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in governance.

“By strategically harnessing technology, we are not only enhancing governance and improving service delivery but also simplifying and enriching the lives of every resident in this very vibrant state,” Hamzat said.

“The MyLagosApp is designed to be an inclusive platform, ensuring that residents across all parts of Lagos—from the mainland to the island—can access government services efficiently.”

MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, commented on the company’s part in ensuring excellent digital infrastructure and seamless connectivity.

“The future is now, and we are capturing the future of e-government, of entertainment, of driving commercial activity with the launch of MyLagosApp.

“On behalf of MTN, we want to thank you for the opportunity to partner in this form. We are deeply invested in Lagos State’s journey.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, pointed out how MyLagosApp will improve urban mobility.

“The app aligns with our multimodal transportation approach, integrating various transport options and providing real-time insights into traffic conditions,” he noted. 

“Additionally, the data generated from the app will support predictive models for better urban planning and transportation policies.”

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity

The app was also built for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities by offering features that help them navigate Lagos more efficiently. “The inclusivity features ensure that everyone, regardless of their mobility challenges, can move around the city with ease,” the commissioner added.

MTN’s Focus on Digital Connectivity and Inclusion

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Digital Officer, Aisha Mumuni, highlighted the technological infrastructure supporting MyLagosApp.

“Ensuring seamless connectivity is essential,” she said. “We are working on subsidized data plans and Wi-Fi hotspots to support widespread app adoption. Digital literacy initiatives will also be introduced to help underserved communities maximize the benefits of this transformation.”

Environmental and Urban Planning Impact

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Tokunbo Philip Wahab, explained how MyLagosApp will aid in environmental monitoring and urban planning. 

In leveraging the app’s data, the government can track waste management trends, monitor pollution levels, and engage with residents more effectively on pressing environmental issues.

As one of Africa’s leading megacities, Lagos is taking hold of digital growth to enhance urban living. MyLagosApp is a tool for enhancing how people experience Lagos, both residents and visitors, making the city more connected, accessible, and efficient.

How to Access MyLagosApp

The app is available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can sign up using their email address, with additional verification steps to ensure security.

The move is seen by industry players as a significant move towards enhancing the digital landscape of Nigeria.

The company launched its local cloud service in Lagos with the goal of addressing essential needs such as data localisation.

This initiative ensures Nigeria’s data sovereignty, compliance with data protection regulations, the protection of sensitive data, and enhances security and compliance for businesses operating within the country.

One of the standout features of Huawei’s cloud services is the ultra-low latency of 15 milliseconds, a significant improvement from the previous 80+ milliseconds.

This reduction in network latency is expected to substantially enhance customer service experiences, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State in his goodwill message at the event, said the commitment of Huawei to building local cloud services in Lagos, Nigeria, is beneficial for the country’s journey towards technological transformation.

“As we gather here to explore the boundless potential of technology and digital innovation, we must truly appreciate where we are”, Dr Hamzat said.

Speaking further on the theme of the event, ‘Leap Now with a Better Cloud’, Hamzat noted that it reflected the aspirations of a country like Nigeria and, of course, Lagos, with its resilient people and growing technological industry.

“The country is at a point where digital transformation is no longer optional; it is essential for sustainable development. Technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data are key to networking opportunities in critical sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, banking, and commerce. So we must thank Huawei for introducing its cloud solution in the country.

“Huawei cloud services in Nigeria are significant because of sovereignty issues. Imagine if other countries, in their parliaments, had the right to make laws that allowed them to examine all data within their sovereignty. What would you do? But remember, the data residing there can cause various issues.” Therefore, having a local cloud is crucial. It’s about our sovereignty and our ability to better control our destiny.”

Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Edet, the acting director of Regulations and Compliance at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that the launch of Huawei Cloud services marks another milestone in the technological history of the country, Nigeria, with the hosting of this local cloud.

Representing Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director general of NITDA, Edet stated that cloud computing is the latest example of creative destruction, creating wealth for those who exploit it and leading to the demise of those who do not, as it is clear that data increasingly shapes business and most activities worldwide.

“However, as we embrace this technology, we must have conversations around aligning our digital strategies with local interests and building a robust infrastructure that reflects Nigeria’s unique needs and aspirations. As we continue to deliberate on solutions and chart new paths, let us also recognise the role of collaboration. Together, we can craft policies, invest in local capabilities, and foster partnerships that will ensure Nigeria’s leadership in the cloud ecosystem, not just regionally but globally.

Chris Lu, the chief executive officer of Huawei Nigeria, highlighted the significance of Huawei’s investment in building a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria.

He identified three key aspects that underpin the importance of this development: performance, trust, and commitment.

“For me, having a local cloud means less than 15 milliseconds of latency, which outperforms cloud services from other markets, enhancing efficiency and user experience. Hosting data locally in Lagos boosts confidence among customers, government, and regulators, ensuring data sovereignty and security. With a 25-year presence in Nigeria and plans to continue for another 25 years, Huawei’s commitment to developing a robust local ecosystem with partners highlights its dedication to long-term growth and innovation in the country’s digital landscape.”

Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation at the second edition of the Education Summit, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment (SDGI) at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday June 23, 2022.

The Governor, who was represented by the deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat noted that the past three years have witnessed tremendous improvement in the overall value chain of the education ecosystem.

According to him, “Our model of investment is informed by the desire to entrench 21st century technology into the sector. This huge investment will ultimately result in significant improvement in learning outcomes’’.

“Our administration also seeks to recognise and appreciate the tremendous contribution and donations of various private partners who supported the State Government’s Education Transformation Plan, most especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown of schools,” he added.

In June 2020, MTN Nigeria commenced a free data offer enabling primary and secondary school students in various states to access educational content. The intervention was done in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, allowing primary and secondary school students access to virtual lessons and exam prep.

The resources available cover all primary and secondary school subjects and over ten years of past questions from key examinations, including the First School Leaving Certificate exams, West African Senior School Certificate exams, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exams, among others; as well as access to learning portals such as Pass.ng, Roducate, mAcademy, among others.

Speaking on the award, the Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor said, “We are humbled by the recognition from the Lagos State Government and are pleased by how well our support was received by the Ministry of Education. At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life and will continue to provide opportunities that support students to learn and shine.”

Other private sector organisations recognised at the event include First Bank of Nigeria, FMDQ Group, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, among others.