Lagos State has emerged as a leader in using technology for regulatory oversight and business innovation, transforming public and private services.
- Seun Awojobi, Technical Adviser to the Lagos State Safety Commission and Co-founder of Nest Technology Innovation Park, highlighted these advancements in a recent interview.Awojobi emphasized Nigeria’s rapid ICT growth, driven by policies from the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. He noted that effective regulation fosters growth, as seen in fintech, while unregulated sectors like agri-tech lag behind.
- The Lagos State Safety Commission has digitized its operations, registering over 15,000 businesses to streamline oversight. This database enables quick responses to safety concerns, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing public safety.
- Digital adoption in Lagos has minimized congestion at government offices and accelerated response times. This transformation has also boosted state revenue by removing barriers to accessing services.
- Through Nest, Awojobi supports SMEs and startups with training, mentorship, and resources to scale their businesses. Initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) aim to position Nigeria as a global tech talent hub, akin to India.
- The Girl Code Academy, a Nest initiative, promotes women in tech, providing them with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in the digital economy.
