Lagos Pledges Ongoing Investment in Digital Infrastructure at GITEX to Drive Nigeria’s Tech Economy
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained investment in digital infrastructure, talent development, and regulatory reforms aimed at powering Nigeria’s tech-driven future. Speaking at the ICT Commissioners Roundtable during the just-concluded GITEX Lagos 2025, Olatunbosun Alake, the state’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, said Lagos is determined to “lead by example so that states across the federation can adapt and scale what works.” His remarks underscored Lagos’ ambition to become the benchmark for sub-national digital transformation in Nigeria.
Alake highlighted a series of ongoing state-backed initiatives, from broadband rollout to youth innovation hubs, designed to strengthen the digital economy and attract investment. He also announced Lagos’ readiness to support inter-state exchange programmes and technical partnerships, positioning the state as a hub for collaborative innovation. “Digital inclusion and local ownership are key to sustainable growth,” he said, urging fellow commissioners to embrace shared learning and best practices.
The ICT Commissioners Roundtable was conceived as a national platform to align state priorities with federal strategy and accelerate the shift toward a more inclusive, locally-led digital economy. During the event, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, encouraged participants to integrate ICT projects with broader state development plans to ensure political buy-in and sustainable funding. He also disclosed that new ICT bills are being drafted at the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and policy frameworks for innovation and cybersecurity.
Other states showcased their own digital journeys. Enugu State’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, detailed the state’s smart-schools and smart-city programmes, noting the success of the Enugu Tech Festival earlier this year as a vehicle for talent discovery and industry partnerships. Cross River State’s Commissioner, Dr. Justin Beshel, stressed the importance of linking state innovation initiatives with private-sector capacity to maximise impact. Delegates agreed that formalised exchange programmes, joint projects and regular peer reviews would accelerate implementation nationwide.
The roundtable concluded by recognising the private sector and development partners as crucial enablers of Nigeria’s digital drive. International tech firms were invited to share insights on open-source AI and developer ecosystems, but commissioners reiterated their mandate to prioritise Nigerian state ownership and homegrown solutions. Immediate next steps include establishing a working group to map state ICT assets, creating a calendar of inter-state technical exchanges, and drafting a template memorandum of understanding for joint projects, all part of a broader push to build a cohesive national digital architecture.
source: punch