Fostering Economic

Growth through Innovation

and Technology
A Strategic Plan for the Lagos State Ministry

of Innovation, Science and technology.

2023 - 2027
Table of Contents:

1 The Governor’s Vision 10 Lagos Digital Service

2 Lagos: The Innovation Hub for West Africa 11 Enabling Hardware Infrastructure

3 From the Desk of the Permanent Secretary 12 Cyber Security Development

4 Introduction 13 ICT Talent Development

5 The Themes + Agenda 14 Workflow Process Digitization

6 Our Mandate 15 Infrastructure

7 The Lagos Innovation Bill 16 Short + Long Term Goals

8 Project KITE 17 Conclusion

9 LASRIC
The Governor’s Vision

My Vision for Lagos State revolves around fostering a culture of Our objective is to collaboratively build a safe, sustainable, and economically
innovative problem-solving that will underpin its transformation into a vibrant metropolis, driven by both established and emerging locally developed
21st-century economy, ultimately improving the quality of life for all technologies. Recognizing that innovation is not only vital for organizational

residents.
relevance in a competitive marketplace but also for overall economic growth,
we underscore the importance of turbocharging innovation in Lagos.

Our commitment to elevating the standards of living for our citizens

The capacity to address critical challenges is contingent on our ability to nurture
necessitates the establishment of a world-class innovation and
and facilitate innovation across the state. We firmly believe that it is our
technology ecosystem. By forging a mutually beneficial partnership
collective responsibility, as committed stakeholders, to propel Lagos to new
between the government and the private sector, particularly within the heights and realize this vision.
technology domain, we aim to unlock significant value and rally all
stakeholders, including private sector entities, financial backers,
technology experts, and other relevant contributors. H IS e XC E L L E N CY

G o v e r n o r

Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu

 Lagos; The Innovation Hub for West Africa
Nigeria, and specifically Lagos State, confronts a multitude of Through the implementation of enabling policies, such as
challenges, encompassing issues such as substandard living the Lagos State Science and Research Act, a substantial
conditions and underdeveloped human capital. Addressing portion of Lagos State's budget has been allocated to
these complex challenges demands the establishment of a address issues of national significance through research
symbiotic relationship between public administration and the and development. This underscores the government's
innovation and solutions ecosystem.
preparedness to harness the latent potential of our
emerging solution industry.

Public institutions must proactively identify and support the

mechanisms that empower local innovators and problem Recognizing that collaboration and networking are essential
solvers to offer inventive solutions. This administration is components of meaningful innovation and creativity, we
resolute in its commitment to realize value by enabling the extend an open invitation to explore partnerships. We invite
solutions ecosystem to generate tangible benefits.
you to collaborate with us as we unlock and energize the
pivotal drivers of innovation, resulting in a more productive,
Innovation and technology serve as instrumental catalysts in
efficient, and sustainable state.
enhancing living standards, fostering robust economies,
elevating efficiency, and promoting eco-friendly industrial Hon. Olatunbosun Alake
practices. Our administration is steadfast in its dedication to Hon. Commisioner for Innovation, Science and
Technology, LAGOS STATE.
nurturing the long-term prosperity of the state through
investments in science, education, and research.

A Strategic Plan for the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and technology.
From the Desk of the
The Permanent Secretary
This Strategic Plan is a testament to our steadfast dedication to establishing
We are pleased to introduce the Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 of the Lagos State Lagos State as a hub where technology and innovation are the driving forces
Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology under the esteemed leadership of behind prosperity and inclusivity. As we move forward, we extend an invitation
the Honourable Commissioner. In my capacity as the Permanent Secretary of this to all stakeholders, both from the public and private sectors, to collaborate with
dynamic and forward-thinking ministry, I take great pride in participating in this us in this transformative journey. Together, we can translate our vision into a
visionary roadmap that will significantly influence our trajectory over the tangible reality.

forthcoming four years.

Your insights, ideas, and partnerships are indispensable as we embark on this

In an era characterized by swift technological progress, innovation serves as the transformative expedition. This is a shared mission, and collectively, we possess
bedrock of advancement, propelling economic development, societal the capacity to redefine the future.

metamorphosis, and the enhancement of the human condition. This strategic plan
signifies our unwavering commitment to harnessing the potential of innovation, We express our gratitude for your enduring support and trust. We eagerly
science, and technology for the betterment of Lagos State and its residents.
anticipate a future where Lagos State emerges as a shining exemplar of
innovation, science, and technology.

Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu

Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

A Strategic Plan for the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and technology.
Introduction:

Forging a Pathway to Transforming Lagos.

These performance areas include:

This Innovation Masterplan encapsulates a forward-

looking perspective on innovation, accounting for

societal, economic, and technological trends. The

overarching aim of this vision is to establish a practical

Talent Funding Infrastructure Policy

framework that empowers citizens to cultivate novel

concepts for future innovations.

The rapid pace at which technology and its

Diversity Access
Advocacy
associated trends emerge and evolve places us under

significant pressure. Managing innovation is no

Each of these components is subject to distinct trend
straightforward task, and achieving effective dynamics, with each trend harboring various models that

innovation is far from accidental. This Master Plan exert differing degrees of impact. These models furnish

precise insights into the potential implications for the

centers on seven critical performance areas that are
state, while considering its unique context and level of
fundamental to the success of any innovation
ambition.

endeavor, serving as a robust and proven foundation

for sustained innovation enhancement. The plan aspires to enable Lagos State to harmonize its

strategic initiatives with innovation investments, fostering

a culture of innovation across the entire state. We have

faith that this plan can broaden our horizons and,

foremost, furnish us with a multitude of pragmatic ideas.

 Access

Diversity, Environment, Circularity etc

+

Policy

Security and Governance

S

Diversity

Entertainment & Tourism

E

Advocacy
Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy
M

Infrastructure
Education & Technology

E
The Themes + & MIST Agenda

Health & Environment

Funding
Talent
Traffic Management & Transportation

T
1
The Strategic Plans
2023-2027
Access The fundamental objective of access Harnessing the dynamic capabilities at its Key Initiatives: Open Government,
Access creation lies in bridging the divide disposal, Lagos State can strategically
mobilize its resources to enable multifaceted
Startup Lagos, Expanding coverage
of the Lagos State Employment Trust
between the resources at hand and
the potential innovators. The ability to access, thereby nurturing the growth and Fund (LSETF), Facilitating Device
access data, markets, and essential acceleration of locally cultivated solutions Accessibility, Enhancing access to
equipment serves as a pivotal catalyst aimed at addressing civic challenges and shared Infrastructure.
for innovation, propelling the fostering the emergence of new economic
evolution of the technology and opportunities within the State.
innovation landscape

Funding is the linchpin of the At the core of this challenge lies the harsh In response to this imperative, our
Funding masterplan for fostering innovation. reality of a lack of private sector
involvement. It is this deficiency in private
primary objectives center around
designing and implementing more
Without it, achieving the essential
pillars of our vision becomes an sector participation that we must tackle at its co-horts (grants) that are
unattainable goal. The success of our source to stimulate the growth of innovation specifically crafted to empower
envisioned initiatives depends within the Lagos State Government (LASG) companies addressing civic issues.
significantly on a robust financial and the Lagos State Research and These grants will also elevate LASRIC
framework. Therefore, it is crucial Innovation Council (LASRIC). to new heights in its mission to foster
for funding to be both accessible innovation.
and sustainable.

A Strategic Plan for the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and technology.
Talent The Lifeblood of Innovation

Access Talent is the oil of the innovative world.

When choosing a location, proximity to
It's worth noting that the talent landscape has
evolved into a global phenomenon, facilitated
Noteworthy Initiatives Comprising:

Developers Academy, Enhancing

available technical talent is one of the most by the advent of remote work capabilities. Tertiary Institutions, STEM/Digital
important considerations for founders when Training Programmes.
evaluating location. This transformative shift underscores the
significance of talent availability as a prime
of founders stated the determinant, closely followed by
Nearly most important factor for considerations such as funding accessibility,

25%
their location choice, just industry networks, cost-effectiveness, and
after overall evaluations of
regulatory conditions.
an ecosystem and culture.

The Metrofibre Project

Infrastructure It is imperative that infrastructure for Status
innovation and technology enterprises be Currently over 2,500km of optic fibre has been
proliferated across the state. The deployed across the cit
Metrofibre project seeks to spread and Over 100 schools have been connecte
de-risk investment into high speed Over 2000km of optic fibre ducts have been
Metrofibre connections across the city, deployed with strategic telco operators utilizing
This project will seek to duct Infrastructure

Our Goals :
Drive Metro-fibre connectivity project to
3000km and full utilization Timeline for 6000km
Drive phase 2 of smart City Project about
150 Smart Cameras with E- Transport is 2026
solution
 The Smart City Project Smart Transportation

The
The smart City project seeks to deliver
digitized and automated management of
The use of Intelligent Transportation systems will aid the enforcement
of traffic rules and laws. The ITS systems also contain Automatic
number plates recognition systems for the enforcement of traffic fines

SMART
the city functions by the year 2030. This
project is divided into phases with each
and rules. It seeks to reduce in person enforcement by up to 35-40%
making transportation within the city more objective and more
efficient

CITY
sector being tacked in each phase Status : Over 4 major sites installed

PROJECT
Target: Over 16

Phase 1 : Safe City and Smart Transportation

This entails the use of technology to enhance the In order to successfully implement the Lagos State Innovation
security function of the state. The safe city project will Masterplan, there has to be an enabling environment that allows for
see over 2000 IntelligentVideo Surveillance Cameras effective execution.

installed at strategic locations across the city. This will

aid security and emergency services enhance their
PROJECTS: Internet Infrastructure to Encourage the development of
activities. These cameras include facial recognition and
innovation and technology facilities , Implement effective cyber
acute optical zoom technologies to enable more security measure state-wide , Develop government-owned facilities
accurate recognitions of nodes of activities within e.g. sandboxes
operations

Status : Over 400 smart cameras installed

Timeline : 2025
Policy
Access To develop and implement Policies that
seeks to encourage innovation and
Review of existing laws and regulations
and exercising caution before adopting
Potential Focus Areas Government
Data, Ease of Doing Business,
investment through tools such as new ones to protect against inadvertently Incentives.

or unnecessarily impeding the emergence

Collaboration with industry, academia, Projects: Domestication of the Start-up
of smart citie
and other key stakeholders; empowered act. (the Lagos Innovation Bill).
Policies should promote the use of smart
CIOs and senior city government
technologies to measure and monitor
leadership.
government progress. They should also
Cross-sector vision and the facilitation of
promote public access to government data
procurement processe
for use in building new services and
R&D investment across vertical sectors
solutions to the benefit of all citizens.

Lack of diversity is a problem that Potential Focus Areas :

Diversity & currently plagues various ecosystems
Increase in the Inclusion of more women in
Inclusion around the world, from Silicon Valley to
the UK. Studies from McKinsey &
government board positions by 20
Deliberately advocate for more tech
Company show that companies in the top
companies geared towards disability
quartile for gender or racial and ethnic
need
diversity are likely to have financial
Push for more accessibility on tech
returns above their national industry
products the government invests in.
medians. 



Addressing the root cause of the issue

requires affirmative action for inclusion at
all stages through the value chain from
STEM education to leadership.
Access
Advocacy A notable divide exists between the citizens
and the State. For the successful
During this tenure, there is an urgent
imperative to prioritize a comprehensive
This will be achieved with a strategic emphasis
on enhancing transparency, fostering
implementation of the innovation advocacy campaign, ensuring that citizens dialogues, implementing rebranding
masterplan, it is essential for the Lagos are well-informed about ongoing projects campaigns, and harnessing the potential of
State Government to establish collaborative and updates. This dissemination of social and digital media.

partnerships with reputable organizations information will encompass a wide array of

already active within the sectors addressed communication channels, including print, We are committed to Providing platforms and
by the innovation plan. This collaboration is digital, and social media platforms.

opportunities for technology companies and

pivotal to effectively disseminating crucial startups across the state are primary advocacy
information to the citizenry.
Our primary objective is to allocate a activities that enable the continued growth of
minimum of the ecosystem. The States AOT program with
All too often, citizens remain uninformed
product launches and pitches before thousands
about the Ministry's activities, leading to a
lack of awareness regarding opportunities 5% of audience members and the larger startup
communities enable startups showcase their
for collaboration and support. of the budget towards
products and services
advocacy initiatives.
Policy :

The Lagos Innovation Bill

As an enablement for the ecosystem the Nigerian Startup Act seeks to provide the enabling levers for the
growth of startups as economic contributors. The Localization of the Startup bill will see Lagos coin and
adopt the Lagos Innovation Bill: In this, the bill will seek to address

Policy Categories
The definitions of beneficiary innovation enterprises should be expande
More emphasis of Research and Development and Experimentatio
Tax and fee write off incentives to be addresse
Export orientation to be encourage
Cross border partnerships for mutual and beneficial developmen
Collaborations with educational institution
Technology Transfer institutions to be set up and encouraged
The Lagos Innovation Bill

Yaba Tech free zone bill

Yaba is a strategic area to the growth and development of the Information

Technology ecosystem for the state and by extension Nigeria. With the highest
concentration of technology startup companies in Lagos, Yaba requires certain
levers to turbocharge development. The Yaba Free zone bill will seeks to
Cluster infrastructure within the Yaba are
Designate a free trade zone for the proliferation of global technology
companies within the zon
Encourage a rapid prototyping cultur
Serve as a magnet for talent attractio
Enable rapid commercialization of MVPs and technology service
Collaborate with higher institutions on projects of strategic sub- sovereign
and national importanc
Drive FDI into the state
The Lagos Innovation Bill

Yaba Tech free zone bill

The Yaba Technology cluster will Vision 2030:

enable geometric increase in
innovation enterprise set up as well By 2030, the Yaba technology cluster will be
as foster cross border collaboration Africa’s leading souce of transformative
on research and business. solutions, driving Africa’s socio-economic
growth with technology leadership, disruptive
innovation, and top quality STEM talent.
Lagos State Science Research and
Innovation Council

The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council is

the premier funding body for Research and Development
and. Startups for the State

Over the past 3 years over 50 startups have been funded as

well as 70 R&D programs with 1 patent granted and multiple
patent pending initiatives in the pipeline

LASRIC will seek to increase its funding pool by at least 100%

and drive twice as many funding interventions within the next
36 months.
Lagos State Science Research and
Innovation Council
LSRIC Aims and Objectives

Improve the efficiency of services and quality of life of the people through the use of
research outcomes. 

Encourage research, promote innovation awareness, educate and advance the

culture of science at all levels of education.

Manage the Research and Innovation Fund set aside by the State for the
advancement of Science Research and Innovation.

Facilitate local and international collaboration for the advancement of Science

Research and Innovation.

Identify, support, and fund viable research and innovations that may solve local and
global challenges with the intention of putting Lagos State in the global map as a
technology/innovation hub.

Facilitate local and international partnerships for the benefit of the state while
focusing on projects that may improve standards of living of the people.
Lagos State Science Research and
Innovation Council

1 Drive deeper international collaborations by

100%

GROWTH
and Include more private sector
corporate governance.

100%

2 GROWTH
Drive deeper Startup & R&D funding initiative through LASRIC.
Drive a 100% growth in funding program.
Digital Lagos

In driving government efficiency, standardization and efficient data management frameworks must be

implemented to drive a government services ecosystem.

The Lagos State Digital Stack will seeks t

provide common standard platforms for digital development of IT asset

Enable common data sharing standards across the IT enterpris

Set the baseline for all G2C platforms and enable rapid builds for asset

Set management principles and API standards for integrations and digital collaborations

The Lagos State digital stack will enable a true G2G and G2C standard for digital Lagos implementation
Workflow Process

Digitization

The Lagos State Digitization Project marks a pivotal

undertaking aimed at the digitization of workflows and
processes to enhance efficiency in management. Our
mission is to spearhead the overhaul of Lagos State's
web presence, facilitating improved, more efficient
access to government information."
Enabling Hardware

infrastructure

The Lagos State Plan to Enable Hardware

Infrastructure outlines our strategic vision to establish a

robust hardware and manufacturing policy framework

for Lagos. This overarching objective is designed to

serve as a catalyst for the flourishing hardware

ecosystem in the region. Through this policy, we aim to

develop a comprehensive and cohesive strategy that

will support and facilitate hardware production and

manufacturing, contributing to the economic growth

and technological advancement of Lagos State.

Cyber Security Development

in Lagos State
Our objective is to establish the Lagos Cybersecurity Council, an essential initiative
dedicated to enhancing the digital security landscape of Lagos State. Our primary
emphasis will be to commission the Lagos State Cyber Security Operations Center
(SOC) to uphold the integrity of state assets and critical utilities. Notably, the SOC
center will function as a collaborative partnership between the government and
esteemed private cybersecurity enterprises.

This overarching objective is designed to serve as a catalyst for the In addition to its
operational function, the Lagos Cybersecurity Council will also actively influence and
implement cybersecurity policies, aligning them with the national cybersecurity
framework. This synchronized effort at both the state and national levels will ensure a
cohesive and robust approach to cybersecurity. By aligning our cybersecurity
strategies, our objective is to elevate the safeguarding of Lagos State's digital
infrastructure in accordance with the broader national cybersecurity policy.
 Talent and Skills
Based on the Lagos 30 year plan of 2022-2052, Lagos seeks to be
a human centric city with a large talent pool. The growth of the
economy is almost entirely dependent on an educated and skilled
workforce. The Lagos Talent Acceleration program is a key
implementation that seeks to increase the talent pool of the state
The Lagos Talent Acceleration Progra
Implement Deep Technology learning and training program
Deliver over 50,000 deep tech talents by 2025 i
Artificial Intelligenc
Cloud Computin
Block Chai
Data Scienc
Software Developmen
Cybersecurit
Hardware Manufacturing: Logic boards, etc

The Lagos Talent acceleration program will see more than an 85%
employment rate
Short Term Goals Long Term Goals
Metrofibre connectivity project to 3000km and Metrofibre connectivity project to 6000km and
full utilization. full utilization
Phase 2 of the Smart City Project is about 150 Phase 3 of Smart City Project is about 1500
Smart Cameras with E- Transport solution Smart Cameras with E-transport solution
Initial Assessment for the Enterprise Architecture project. Workflow Process Digitization
Run 4 cohorts in LASRIC Robust Enterprise architecture framework (LASG Stack
for Application Development standardization)
A diversity and inclusion framework in the Lagos state
innovation and technology Masterplan.
Deliver LASRIC as a fully-fledged Agency in Lagos State
Conclusion

In summary, the Strategic Plan for the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Collaboration is recognized as a vital element in the innovation ecosystem, and

Science, and Technology for the years 2023-2027 represents a visionary all stakeholders, from both the public and private sectors, are invited to

blueprint for the future of Lagos State. Under the leadership of Governor participate in this transformative journey. Together, the collective efforts of

Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the collective commitment of stakeholders, it charts a diverse partners can translate this vision into reality, reshaping the future of

course toward a more prosperous, inclusive, and technologically advanced Lagos State.

Lagos.

The plan expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of the people of Lagos

The plan underscores the central role of innovation in driving economic growth and envisions a future where Lagos State stands as a beacon of innovation,

and societal progress. Lagos State's aspiration to become the innovation hub of science, and technology, not only for the West African region but for a wider

West Africa is grounded in the belief that technology and innovation can address global audience.

the region's complex challenges. The plan outlines seven key focus areas: Talent,
This journey will require dedication, cooperation, and innovation as a shared
Access, Funding, Infrastructure, advocacy, Policy, and Diversity, all aimed at
commitment to building a brighter future for all residents of Lagos State.
fostering an ecosystem where startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators can
Together, we innovate, thrive, and transform.
flourish. Initiatives like Project KITE, LASRIC, and the Lagos Innovation Bill are

designed to support this growth.

A Strategic Plan for the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation,

Science and technology.