Lagos sets new benchmark for innovation with proactive policy measures

Joy Agwunobi 

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has continued to lead the way in fostering an innovation-friendly ecosystem, bolstered by supportive policies and a progressive approach. This dedication was reaffirmed with the introduction of the Lagos Innovation Bill, which aims to establish a regulatory and policy environment that facilitates technological growth and provides the necessary conditions for startups, investors, and innovators to flourish.

During a recent engagement convened by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (MIST) at the Eko Innovation Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, critical stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the proposed Lagos Innovation Policy. The event brought together key players from various sectors,  policymakers, government officials, venture capitalists, startups, and technology experts including Adaora Ikenze, director, public Policy, Meta; Peter Bankole,COO, Pan Atlantic University;Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho ,founder, Futuresoft; among others.

Addressing the audience, Olatubosun Alake, the Lagos State commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, highlighted the crucial role Lagos state plays in driving innovation investment not only in Nigeria but across Africa, noting that  approximately 70 to 80 per cent of innovation funding flows into the state. 

Alake stressed the need for a robust policy framework that fosters continuous innovation investment and drives Lagos to the forefront of the digital revolution. Adding that such a framework can either  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 unveiled a range of ambitious initiative  for driving technological and economic growth in the state. 

High on the agenda was the MetroFibre Project, an extensive initiative that envisions the installation of 3,000 kilometres of optic fibre and optic  ducts across Lagos,which is aimed at strengthening the digital infrastructure to provide a solid foundation for digital businesses to flourish in the state.

Another key initiative he noted is the Safe City project which involves the strategic deployment of intelligent Video Cameras at key locations across Lagos state to  exemplify the state’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance security and create a safer environment for businesses to thrive.

Additionally,  Alake elaborated on several other initiatives undertaken by the Lagos State Government to enhance technology and innovation in the state. Among these is the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art Tier 3 data centre in collaboration with the private sector. According to the commissioner, this project not only seeks to enhance  the efficiency and reliability of government services but also positions Lagos as a prime destination for technological investments in the West African region.

Alake also noted the state’s commitment to cybersecurity, with the unveiling of a cybersecurity project aimed at enhancing digital safety and protecting the state’s infrastructure from cyber threats. He noted that the initiative involves establishing a Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC), which will engage with leading cybersecurity companies and international organisations, as well as providing crucial training and capacity building for local IT professionals.

Alake also emphasised on the positive impact of several other initiatives such as the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID), which have been instrumental in driving the development of a smarter Lagos and improving governance, efficiency, and service delivery in the state.

In a sideline interview at the event, Olatubosun Alake explained the rationale behind the Lagos Innovation Bill, he stated that the bill  has a two-pronged approach that it not only localises the federal government’s Startup Act to suit the unique needs of Lagos State, but also encourages innovation within large companies and small businesses. According to him, the bill’s inclusive nature is a strategic move to create a vibrant and interconnected innovation ecosystem where startups and established players can collaborate, learn from each other, and drive collective growth. He illustrated the potential benefits, saying that the bill would lead to situations where startups’ innovative solutions are adopted and supported by major corporations, or where universities drive a thriving entrepreneurial culture, spinning off new companies each year with the support of industry giants.

 “This is the future we are working tirelessly to manifest through the Lagos Innovation Bill.” Alake stated.

Among the stakeholders who shared their thoughts on the proposed bill were Beverly Agbakoba, head of the sport, entertainment, and technology Practice at Agbakoba Chambers, who expressed her excitement over the state government’s bold initiative, commending it as a crucial step in the right direction toward positioning Lagos as a leading player in the global economy. 

Agbakoba also  highlighted the pressing  challenges facing the state, including poor electricity supply and inadequate road networks, emphasising the need for the Innovation Bill to pave the way for comprehensive solutions to these challenges. She called for tangible action and sustained engagement, urging the formation of stakeholder committees and consultation mechanisms to ensure the innovation ecosystem remains at the forefront of the bill’s development and implementation.

“We want to hear about the stakeholders’ committees that should be set up, the consultation committee to engage the ecosystem. One thing we said today is there must be ongoing engagement and good communication,” Agbakoba added.

Expanding her support for the proposed bill, Beverly Agbakoba seized the opportunity to urge other states to follow the lead of Lagos, noting the potential ripple effect that such an initiative could have on the nation’s technological and economic landscape.

With regard to the specific component she would like to see in the bill, She envisioned  a fully digitised Lagos, where hospitals, roads, and public schools are seamlessly integrated into a state-wide network, providing universal internet access to every child, underlining the potential of the Innovation Bill. However, she cautioned that releasing this vision lies in a commitment to maintaining and sustaining the new systems.

Victor Afolabi, chief executive officer of the Eko Innovation Centre emphasised 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 recognised hub for innovation.