Lagos, Nigeria, is laying a 2,700km fibre optic network to reduce internet connectivity costs and improve digital infrastructure

The Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (LAMIST) has completed the first phase of a project aimed at significantly reducing the cost of Internet connectivity. Commissioner Olatunbosun Alake announced this achievement during the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing in Lagos, marking the first year of Governor Sanwo-Olu's second term.

The ministry has laid 2700 kilometers of infrastructure as part of this initiative.Phase II of the project involves laying an additional 3,300km of unified fibre ducts across Lagos. Commissioner Alake stated that this infrastructure will be used to reduce the cost of internet connectivity in the state. Additionally, the administration has installed 450 intelligent cameras and number plate recognition cameras throughout Lagos.

The technologies, including the fibre optic network and intelligent cameras, are intended to improve traffic management in Lagos, enhance city management, and increase efficiency. Commissioner Alake highlighted the launch of a cybersecurity project aimed at bolstering digital safety and safeguarding the state's infrastructure from cyber threats. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance security and governance in Lagos.

Commissioner Alake mentioned that the cybersecurity project, developed in collaboration with top cybersecurity firms and an international organization, will equip the state with advanced technologies and expertise to defend against cyber threats effectively. This initiative aims to enhance the state's ability to safeguard its technologies from sophisticated cyber attacks. Additionally, the government is partnering with the private sector to construct a tier 3 data center to enhance the state's infrastructure and data capacity.

Commissioner Alake emphasized that the technology initiatives would not only enhance government efficiency and service reliability but also drive economic and technological progress. He highlighted that these advancements would attract investments and position Lagos as the technological hub of West Africa. The government has conducted sensitization and awareness workshops for various personnel in 43 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure widespread adoption and understanding of these technologies.

Commissioner Alake mentioned that 70 data protection officers have been appointed in different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He highlighted the goals of the data protection compliance project, which include protecting individuals' rights to data privacy. The project aims to ensure secure transactions involving the exchange of personal data and prevent the misuse or manipulation of personal information.

Commissioner Alake mentioned that the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) within LAMIST has been instrumental in providing funding for startups, research, and development programs. The council's objectives include enhancing services and the quality of life for citizens through research findings, raising awareness about innovation, and overseeing the research and innovation fund.

Commissioner Alake highlighted that the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) promotes collaboration between local and international entities to tackle both local and global issues. He mentioned that LASRIC has provided funding to more than 60 tech startups and supported over 50 researchers with grants totaling over N800 million. Additionally, he emphasized that the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) Project stands as the most technologically advanced identification ecosystem in the country.

Commissioner Alake highlighted that the LASRRA Project promotes financial inclusion by automatically including individuals without bank accounts upon registration. He mentioned that the LASRRA card serves as a comprehensive card with over six million registration records. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the commissioner acknowledged that funding remains a significant challenge for the ministry.