Lagos Hosts ICT Commissioners Roundtable, Driving National Digital Economy and Innovation Collaboration
Lagos State recently became the epicenter of innovation in Nigeria as it hosted the ICT Commissioners Roundtable during GITEX, drawing senior technology and innovation leaders from across the country. The event brought together commissioners for innovation, science, and technology, alongside key sub-national delegates, to discuss strategies for advancing Nigeria’s digital economy and fostering collaborative tech-driven initiatives.
The roundtable was designed as a national platform to align sub-national digital priorities with federal strategies. Its goal is to strengthen inter-state collaboration, support locally-led innovation, and ensure inclusive growth in the country’s digital transformation journey. Attendees represented a broad spectrum of states, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to integrating technology into every sector of governance and development.
High-profile participants included Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity; Lagos State’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake; and commissioners from Enugu and Cross River states. Additionally, heads of ICT agencies from Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Yobe, Nasarawa, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Zamfara, and Ondo states were in attendance, signaling a nationwide effort to coordinate technology policies and initiatives.
In his welcome address, Commissioner Alake highlighted Lagos State’s long-term investments in digital infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and talent development. He emphasized that Lagos aims to lead by example, offering technical partnerships and inter-state exchange programs to ensure that other states can adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The focus, he noted, is not only on technology deployment but also on nurturing local innovation ecosystems.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu urged participants to integrate ICT initiatives with broader state development priorities to secure political support and sustainable funding. He also emphasized cross-ministry collaboration, particularly with education, health, and finance sectors, to ensure ICT programs deliver meaningful impact. The senator added that new ICT legislation is underway in the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s policy and legal frameworks for innovation and cybersecurity.
source: The guardian