The Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (LAMIST) has announced the completion of the initial phase of its ambitious project aimed at significantly reducing internet connectivity costs for its residents.
Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for LAMIST, reported the milestone during the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing, marking Governor Sanwo-Olu’s first year into his second term.
The project has successfully laid a network of 2,700 kilometres of fibre ducts throughout Lagos, with a second phase planning an additional 3,300km.
The commissioner highlighted the deployment of 450 advanced cameras equipped with number plate recognition technology to aid in traffic management and enhance city governance.
A key highlight is the initiation of a cybersecurity initiative, developed in collaboration with top cybersecurity firms and an international body, to bolster the digital security of the state’s infrastructure.
The government is also constructing a tier 3 data centre in partnership with the private sector, aiming to streamline the delivery of government services and spur economic growth, positioning Lagos as a tech powerhouse in West Africa.
LAMIST has conducted extensive workshops for officials across 43 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and appointed 70 data protection officers, reinforcing the commitment to data privacy and security.
The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), operating under LAMIST, has been instrumental in funding over 60 tech startups and 50 researchers, distributing grants exceeding N800 million.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) Project has emerged as the nation’s most sophisticated identification system, promoting financial inclusion and amassing over six million registrations.
Despite these advancements, Commissioner Alake acknowledged that securing adequate funding remains a significant challenge for the ministry.
