Lagos pledges to leverage technology, innovation for economic growth

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to drive economic growth, support local entrepreneurs and create sustainable opportunities for young people.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated this on Wednesday while representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the official tour of GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Startup Festival at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.

Hamzat said the growing presence of major technology platforms such as GITEX in Lagos underscored the state’s emergence as a leading destination for technology, innovation and investment in Africa.

He noted that technology was no longer merely a tool for communication, but an important driver of economic development, job creation and entrepreneurship, particularly among the younger population.

According to him, the state government is deliberately investing in infrastructure and building an enabling environment where innovative ideas can develop into businesses capable of contributing to the economy.

He said the administration was also focused on supporting local founders and connecting them with the wider global technology ecosystem, stressing that partnerships with international players remained important to accelerating the growth of Lagos’ digital economy.

The Deputy Governor, who interacted with innovators, startup founders and global technology partners at the event, said the state was interested in ensuring that the opportunities created by technological advancement translated into tangible benefits for residents.

His position aligns with Lagos’ broader efforts to consolidate its reputation as Nigeria’s commercial and innovation hub, with technology increasingly integrated into governance, business and public services.

GITEX Nigeria, being held from August 31 to September 3, 2026, is taking place across Abuja and Lagos, with the Lagos leg of the programme holding at the Landmark Centre on September 2 and 3. The event brings together technology companies, government institutions, investors, startups and other stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.

The organisers said the Lagos programme features more than 750 startups from Nigeria and over 25 countries, with innovations spanning artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, education, mobility, climate technology and digital services.

The platform is also designed to facilitate connections between founders and investors, with the organisers highlighting opportunities for partnerships, investment and access to markets across West Africa and beyond.

The 2026 edition is being held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), while the Lagos State Government is an official endorser of the event.

For Lagos, the hosting of the technology and startup exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase its expanding innovation ecosystem while positioning the state to attract more technology-driven investment, partnerships and talent.

Hamzat said the government would continue to engage with innovators and global partners as it seeks to strengthen the ecosystem and ensure that technology remains a major contributor to the state’s economic development.