In a decisive move to reinforce its position as Nigeria’s leading innovation hub, the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology recently convened a stakeholder forum on 2nd of June to discuss the proposed Lagos Innovation Bill 2025. The event served as a vital platform for co-creation and collaborative dialogue, reflecting Lagos State’s commitment to an inclusive and participatory approach to policymaking. Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Engineer Ibilola Kasunmu emphasized the importance of the event, which gathered key players from various sectors at Ikeja, Lagos, to deliberate on how the bill can foster an environment conducive to technological advancement and innovation. In his goodwill speech, Joel Ogunsola, Founder and President of Tech4Dev, explained that the legislation will play a crucial role in helping and enabling startups to get started, fostering a conducive environment for more innovations to thrive. Ogunsola also noted that the bill would create a comprehensive blueprint that encourages and sustains innovation, ensuring that the ecosystem can flourish and remain sustainable. The Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Olatubosun Alake, in his opening remarks, highlighted Lagos's pivotal role in driving innovation investment across Nigeria and Africa, noting that approximately 70-80% of the nation’s innovation funding flows into the state. He pointed out that each $1 spent on public research and development can generate up to $5-10 in long-term GDP growth through commercialization, industry growth, and revenue from taxes. He stressed the urgent need to establish a comprehensive policy framework capable of encouraging sustained innovation investment, thus positioning Lagos as a leader in 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 also shared several of the ministry’s initiatives aimed at transforming Lagos into the forefront of the digital revolution. These include the MetroFibre Project, which intends to deploy 3,000 kilometers of optic fiber and ducts across the state to enhance connectivity, and the Safe City Project, which leverages intelligent cameras to bolster security and create a safer environment for businesses and residents. Furthermore, the commissioner shed light on the ongoing construction of a Tier 3 data center, in partnership with the private sector, exemplifies the state’s commitment to digital infrastructure. The government is also digitizing its services to improve efficiency and transparency, along with establishing a cybersecurity operations center and capacity-building programs for local IT professionals to strengthen cyber resilience. During the sessions, Alex Adedipe unpacked the core objectives of the bill, emphasizing that it aims to create an integrated support system rather than isolated initiatives. The bill is designed to facilitate public-private-academic partnerships, protect intellectual property, attract global capital, and foster research and development across sectors. It also seeks to incentivize startups and promote deep-tech innovations, positioning Lagos as a fertile ground for technological entrepreneurship. During the breakout session, participants were divided into four groups, each focusing on key aspects of fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem. The first group emphasized the importance of government investment and highlighted the need for a strong, symbiotic relationship between the federal and state governments to ensure the success of innovation initiatives. They underscored that coordinated efforts are essential for building a conducive environment for technological advancement. The second group stressed the necessity of having a competent and effective governing board to oversee policy implementation. They called for transparency in processes and emphasized the importance of establishing reputable research institutions, talent development programs, and active collaborations with academic institutions to drive innovation forward. The third group focused on the importance of collaboration within the ecosystem. They recommended creating regular consultative forums to gather feedback from stakeholders and ensure inclusive dialogue. Additionally, they highlighted the need for increased innovation funding from the private sector and the involvement of industry experts to guide and foster sustainable growth. The fourth group underscored the need for ongoing engagement through more events like this, as a means to strengthen stakeholder relationships. They suggested that the innovation commission should establish its sustainability mechanisms, such as grants, and highlighted the importance of interministerial coordination. They also emphasized expanding links between various entities, including technology transfer offices and supporting institutions for research. Key considerations included improving accessibility and inclusion, offering tax incentives to startups, and fostering an integrated ecosystem where diverse stakeholders can thrive. Engineer Ganiyu Oseni, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, lauded the vision and commitment behind these developments. He described Lagos as Nigeria’s innovation engine and a globally recognized hub for technological progress, reaffirming the state’s role as a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital future.
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