Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday said his administration is dedicated to creating a future where innovation, technology, and digital solutions fuel sustainable growth, inclusivity, and prosperity.
He said Lagos, as the economic heartbeat of Nigeria and a shining beacon of opportunity across Africa, is committed to showcasing technology, building partnerships, innovation, and laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025 Ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
GITEX, which is the largest gathering of tech visionaries and decision-makers, is being attended by global tech leaders like IBM, Meta, MTN, AWS, and Cisco, along with a vibrant array of homegrown startups. It highlights the power of collaboration and underscores Lagos’s crucial role as a hub for innovation, where visionaries, investors, and policymakers unite to shape the future.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said GITEX Expo Nigeria 2025, being organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with KAOUN International, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aligns perfectly with his administration’s vision to establish Lagos as the pulse of Africa’s digital future.
He said: “Today, as we explore the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, we are doing more than just showcasing technology; we are building partnerships, sparking innovation, and laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“Lagos is not just a city; it is a movement. With 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies, as highlighted by the Financial Times, Lagos embodies a vibrant innovation ecosystem fuelled by supportive public policies, dynamic private enterprises, and a resilient startup culture.
“Events like GITEX Nigeria amplify our collective efforts. They create exciting new opportunities for talent development, expanding digital infrastructure, and forging strategic partnerships that will help us reach our economic goals.
“We are not just crafting a digital Nigeria; we are shaping a digital Africa that will inspire the world. I encourage each of you to embrace this moment, connect, innovate, and help create a future that reflects our boldest dreams.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, for his visionary leadership, especially in advancing AI infrastructure and inclusive digital solutions, which are transforming Nigeria’s position in the global digital landscape.
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He said the minister’s efforts reflect the shared commitment to drive innovation for national development.
In his address, Tijani said Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, is already under intense pressure from rapid urbanisation, pointing out that the city welcomes about 2,000 new residents every day. He said such growth makes the demand for strong digital infrastructure even more urgent.
The minister also highlighted government-backed initiatives aimed at boosting innovation and research, including a new programme scheduled to begin on October 1, which will support an additional 75 research projects in the digital sector.
He explained that the initiative will deepen participation from Nigerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora.
Tijani also stressed the importance of collaboration between startups, corporates, and government in scaling innovation and building resilience across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
He said Nigeria must build a resilient global digital system that goes beyond merely keeping pace with developments if it is to secure its future in the digital economy.
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