The Lagos State Government has said it will sustain and expand investments in technology, innovation infrastructure, and funding support for entrepreneurs in order to stimulate economic growth.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, stated this during a virtual session at the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Techpreneur Summit held on Tuesday, themed “Innovate to Capital.”
He explained that the state has continued to work closely with the private sector to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and expand digital infrastructure.
Alake recalled that in 2016, Lagos partnered with MainOne to deploy a fibre optic ring in Yaba, a move that helped position the area as a leading hub for tech startups in Nigeria.
He noted that the initiative played a key role in the rise of Yaba as a major technology cluster often referred to as the country’s “Silicon Valley.”
According to him, between 2020 and 2026, the state facilitated the deployment of about 3,000 kilometres of fibre optic connectivity across Lagos.
He added that a newer project launched earlier in the year is expected to significantly expand fibre coverage further across the state.
Alake also highlighted that the government has continued to provide direct financial support for innovation through targeted entrepreneurship programmes.
He said the Lagos Innovates programme, introduced in 2016, has enabled startups and innovators to access over 50 innovation hubs within the state.
He further disclosed that Lagos is funding research in emerging and underserved sectors such as environmental science, circular economy, construction technology, and agricultural technology.
According to him, Lagos State, in collaboration with the University of Lagos, recorded its first patent during the COVID-19 period for a medical device innovation.
He added that the government currently supports research and development projects across tertiary institutions, including the University of Lagos and Lagos State University.
Alake revealed that there are about 25 patent applications currently pending across various science and technology fields in the state.
He called for stronger collaboration between stakeholders, including the Development Bank of Nigeria, to further accelerate innovation and economic development in Lagos.