Lagos To Drive Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Vision, Sanwo-Olu Says
By Saheed Afolabi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering innovation, technology, and digital solutions to drive sustainable growth, inclusivity, and prosperity across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the governor emphasized Lagos’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and a leading hub for innovation in Africa. He highlighted the state’s dedication to forging partnerships, nurturing innovation, and supporting Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The GITEX Nigeria 2025 event, organized by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with KAOUN International, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), brings together global tech giants such as IBM, Meta, MTN, AWS, and Cisco, alongside Nigeria’s thriving startup ecosystem. The expo serves as a platform for collaboration, uniting visionaries, investors, and policymakers to shape the future of Africa’s digital landscape.
“Lagos is more than a city; it’s a dynamic force for progress,” Sanwo-Olu declared. “With 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies, as recognized by the Financial Times, Lagos thrives on a vibrant innovation ecosystem powered by forward-thinking public policies, innovative private enterprises, and a resilient startup culture. GITEX Nigeria 2025 is a catalyst for talent development, digital infrastructure expansion, and strategic partnerships that will propel us toward our economic goals.”
The governor urged attendees to seize the opportunity to connect, innovate, and contribute to a digital Nigeria that inspires Africa and the world. He also praised Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, for his transformative leadership in advancing AI infrastructure and inclusive digital solutions, which are elevating Nigeria’s global digital presence.
In his remarks, Minister Tijani noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, faces immense pressure from rapid urbanization, with approximately 2,000 new residents arriving daily. This growth underscores the urgent need for robust digital infrastructure. He announced a new government-backed initiative, set to launch on October 1, to fund 75 additional research projects in the digital sector, fostering collaboration among Nigerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora.
Tijani emphasized the importance of partnerships between startups, corporations, and the government to scale innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. “To secure our place in the global digital economy, Nigeria must build a resilient digital system that doesn’t just keep up but leads the way,” he said.
The GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo 2025 underscores Lagos’s role as the pulse of Africa’s digital future, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and global connections are forged to drive Nigeria’s economic aspirations.
