By Adeola Ogunrinde –
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning Lagos as the driving force behind Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He asserted that innovation, technology, and digital solutions remain central to building sustainable growth, inclusivity, and prosperity across the country.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the governor described the state as Nigeria’s economic heartbeat and a beacon of opportunity for Africa.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the expo, organised in partnership with KAOUN International, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), reflects Lagos’ ambition to become the hub of Africa’s digital future.
He noted that Lagos is home to 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies, as identified by the Financial Times, and represents a vibrant innovation ecosystem supported by progressive public policies, private enterprises, and a resilient startup culture.
“We are doing more than showcasing technology; we are building partnerships, sparking innovation, and laying the foundation for Nigeria’s economic transformation. Lagos is not just a city; it is a movement,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for advancing artificial intelligence infrastructure and inclusive digital solutions, which he said were reshaping Nigeria’s global digital profile.
In his remarks, Dr. Tijani highlighted the pressure of rapid urbanisation in Lagos, with an estimated 2,000 new residents arriving daily. He stressed the urgency of strengthening digital infrastructure and announced a new programme, commencing October 1, to support 75 additional research projects in the digital sector.
The minister reiterated the importance of collaboration between government, corporates, and startups in scaling innovation, adding that Nigeria must develop a resilient digital ecosystem that anticipates and responds to global developments to secure its place in the future economy.
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