…As Minister unveil plans for a 90,000-kilometer fibre backbone
By Seun Ibiyemi
Nigeria marked a major milestone in its digital transformation journey this week as the country hosted its first-ever Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Lagos, positioning itself as Africa’s leading innovation hub.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that the state has attracted over $6 billion in foreign direct investment into its tech startup sector between 2019 and 2024.
He noted that Lagos now accounts for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s tech inflows and has played a role in producing over 70 per cent of Africa’s unicorns.
“Lagos is no longer just an economic powerhouse, we are Africa’s innovation capital,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“With hyperscale data centres, submarine cables, and a city-wide fibre grid, Lagos is undergoing a digital revolution.”
Sanwo-Olu credited visionary leadership and long-term planning, citing the early adoption of Oracle database systems during the administration of then-Governor and now President Bola Tinubu.
He also highlighted the success of the Blue Line electric rail system, which has served over five million passengers in two years, powered by the locally developed Cowry Card unified payment system.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that the ICT sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP is projected to hit 21 per cent by 2027, up from under 5 per cent a decade ago.
He also unveiled plans for a 90,000-kilometer fibre backbone and landmark digital economy and e-governance bills to boost trust, security, and innovation.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described GITEX Nigeria as more than a conference, calling it “a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead the future economy.”
The event, which drew over 650 startups, 200 investors, and participants from more than 40 countries, showcased innovations in smart mobility, health tech, green energy, and digital identity.
Organisers and government officials hailed the exhibition as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s digital future, inviting global partners to co-create solutions that will shape Africa’s economy.