Lagos State has intensified its commitment to building a vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem, having financed more than 70 startups through various funding and support initiatives. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Tumbosun Alake, during an interview at GITEX Global in Dubai.
According to Alake, Lagos has emerged as Nigeria’s foremost destination for tech-driven entrepreneurship, combining access to finance, mentorship, and global exposure to help founders grow and scale.
“We’re the number one state for startup support in Nigeria,” Alake told The PUNCH. “Here at GITEX, we brought some startups. The idea is to enable our startups to expand their markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. As these companies grow, they create jobs and attract foreign direct investment into our economy.”
He explained that the state government has disbursed grants and investments to over 70 startups while offering mentorship and skill-building programmes to more than 200 entrepreneurs.
Through the Lagos Innovates initiative, the government operates a hub voucher scheme that enables founders to use co-working facilities in partner innovation centres. This system gives access to reliable internet, electricity, and professional networks across more than 40 hubs in the state.
In addition, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund supports innovators seeking to establish new hubs with a loan programme designed to expand digital spaces.
“Once a startup has a clear business plan, it can apply for a loan to set up or expand its hub operations,” Alake explained. “It’s part of our deliberate effort to strengthen Lagos’ innovation ecosystem and ensure entrepreneurs have the facilities they need to thrive.”
The commissioner highlighted that Lagos has been pivotal in Nigeria’s tech revolution, citing the collaboration with MainOne that introduced Yaba’s fibre-optic backbone — an initiative that turned the district into a thriving startup zone.
To boost connectivity, Alake revealed that the government has extended fibre networks to schools, hospitals, and key public facilities, in line with the national broadband target of 70 percent coverage by year-end.
Lagos is also advancing digital literacy through partnerships with global tech firms such as Google and Meta, providing citizens with essential digital skills and access to devices.
“When more people can use digital tools, demand increases. That, in turn, encourages infrastructure companies to expand their networks. It’s a virtuous cycle.”
He further disclosed plans for a Lagos State Innovation Bill, designed to formalise research partnerships between universities and private companies. The law, expected by mid-2026, will strengthen collaboration in developing new technologies and products.
Alake emphasized that Lagos aims to become Africa’s leading model for innovation-led development, driving jobs, investment, and sustainable growth.
“The more our startups succeed, the more jobs they create, the more revenue they generate, and the stronger our economy becomes. Innovation is at the heart of Lagos’ future.”
