How Lagos’ $1.2 billion digital boom will shape Nigeria’s Tech landscape – Sanwo-Olu
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO,Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida receiving the Lagos State Government plaque form the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the management of NCC, at the Lagos House, Marina, on Friday, 28 February, 2025.
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the digital economy by collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The partnership aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, safeguard critical assets, and drive innovation for the benefit of Lagos residents.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by an NCC delegation led by its Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Aminu Maida, at Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that this collaboration aligns with the state’s THEMES+ developmental agenda, particularly its focus on education and technology.
He noted that Lagos plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s digital transformation and must continue to create an enabling environment for technological growth.
Highlighting the state’s progress in the sector, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his administration has attracted over $1.2 billion in investments into Lagos’ digital economy.
These investments, he said, have facilitated the development of hyperscale data centres, the landing of submarine cables, and the expansion of digital infrastructure, positioning Lagos as Nigeria’s leading technology hub.
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“We have it on record that within five years, we have secured investments exceeding $1.2 billion directly into the digital space, covering key areas such as data centres, high-speed connectivity, and a growing network of users and service providers,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He assured the NCC of his government’s commitment to working closely with the commission to address key challenges facing the telecom sector, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the seamless deployment of broadband services.
On his part, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, commended Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its commitment to technological advancement and digital infrastructure development. He noted that Lagos remains a strategic partner in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, given its role as the country’s commercial and digital nerve centre.
Maida stressed the need for continuous collaboration to protect digital assets, improve right-of-way access for telecom companies, and ensure that road construction activities do not disrupt existing communication infrastructure. He also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order, signed in July 2024, which prioritises the protection of key infrastructure across the country.
“As a regulator, we recognise Lagos’ crucial role in driving Nigeria’s digital economy. We must work together to protect critical infrastructure, streamline policies around the right-of-way, and ensure that ongoing development projects do not impede telecom services,” Maida stated.
The meeting underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in fostering a thriving digital economy and ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of technological innovation in Nigeria.
