Lagos pushes ahead with innovation bill, seeks broader input from tech stakeholders
...Targets grassroots, researchers, startups in landmark legislation
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has stepped up consultations on its proposed Innovation Bill, convening a fresh stakeholder engagement session in Ikeja to gather insights and refine the legislation.
Held at the Marriott Hotel, the session drew major players from the state’s technology and innovation landscape, including public officials, tech entrepreneurs, and researchers.
Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Tunbosun Alake, who delivered the keynote address, said the bill is intended to establish a legal framework that nurtures innovation across all stages, from idea generation to enterprise growth.
Alake stated that the initiative represents Lagos' deliberate shift from scattered tech projects to a structured approach that transforms ideas into inventions, nurtures startups, and enables them to grow into globally competitive businesses.
He explained that the bill was conceived as a Lagos-specific policy framework aimed at embedding innovation across research institutions, digital hubs, and knowledge-driven sectors in the state.
According to the Commissioner, while the proposed legislation will complement the federal Nigerian Startup Act, it is designed to go further by incorporating provisions for digital infrastructure, innovation financing, and legal protections for innovators.
He added that the bill seeks to broaden access to innovation resources, ensuring that students, grassroots developers, and marginalised communities are integrated into the state’s economic growth plans.
Alake also noted that the law would offer targeted support for university researchers, agritech startups, and rural tech entrepreneurs in locations such as Epe and Ikorodu.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr. Mrs Ibilola Kasunmu, in her opening remarks, said the engagement was organised to collect meaningful input from those actively shaping the innovation space in Lagos.
She urged attendees to share practical suggestions, underscoring the government’s commitment to community-driven policymaking.
Kasunmu described the Innovation Bill as a cornerstone policy designed to establish Lagos as Africa’s foremost innovation hub, with provisions tailored to address challenges unique to the state’s tech and knowledge economy.
She reiterated the state government’s openness to constructive feedback and its resolve to adopt inclusive and effective policy frameworks.
Founder of Tech for Tech, Mr Joel Ogunshola, in a goodwill message, commended the government’s consultative approach and described the bill as both forward-looking and urgently needed.
Also present at the event were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Science and Technology, Mr Omotayo Fisuyi; Special Adviser on Economic Planning and Budgeting, Mr Lekan Balogun; Special Adviser on Broadband and Technology, Engr. Ganiyu Oseni; and Executive Assistant on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Mr Olusegun Sanwo-Olu.