Lagos State is aiming to solidify its status as a leading innovation hub in Nigeria and Africa. To achieve this, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) hosted a high-powered stakeholder forum at the Eko Innovation Centre.
This event brought together key figures from various sectors to discuss the proposed Lagos Innovation Policy Bill. This groundbreaking legislation aims to spark innovation and build a supportive environment for technological advancements.
The forum, led by Innovation Commissioner Mr. Olatubosun Alake, focused on co-creation and collaboration. This approach reflects the Lagos government’s commitment to inclusive and participatory policymaking.
Attendees included prominent figures like Adaora Ikenze (Meta Public Policy Director), Prof. Peter Bankole (Pan Atlantic University COO & LASRIC Member), and Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho (Futuresoft Founder).
Commissioner Alake stressed the crucial role Lagos plays in driving innovation investment across Nigeria and Africa, highlighting that 70-80% of such funding flows into the state. He emphasized the need for a strong policy framework to encourage continued investment and propel Lagos to the forefront of the digital revolution.
He also showcased several Ministry initiatives aimed at achieving this goal. These included the massive MetroFibre Project, deploying 3,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure, and the Safe City Project, utilizing smart cameras for enhanced security.
Additionally, the Commissioner mentioned the construction of a cutting-edge Tier 3 data center (public-private partnership), government service digitization for improved efficiency, and a commitment to cybersecurity through a Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) and local IT professional training.
Eko Innovation Centre CEO Victor Afolabi, in his welcome address, emphasized the forum’s importance as a co-creation event. Here, collective discussions would shape regulatory incentives and build an inclusive innovation ecosystem. He praised the Commissioner’s vision and dedication to advancing Lagos’ innovation scene, acknowledging the state’s position as Nigeria’s innovation engine and a globally recognized hub.
The well-attended forum featured active participation from government agencies, private sector representatives, development agencies, and other key stakeholders. Five breakout sessions facilitated actionable recommendations and realistic solutions for the proposed Lagos Innovation Bill’s framework.