The Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Honorable Olatubosun Alake, has embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape the state's science and digital innovation landscape. Under his innovative leadership, the ministry has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Ministry of Innovation , Science and Technology. This transition represents a strategic decision to harness the power of science and innovation to accelerate Lagos's progress toward becoming a smart city and bolstering its digital economy.
Hon. Olatunbosun Alake takes on a dual role within the ministry, steering both the advancement of scientific research through LASRIC (Lagos State Research and Innovation Council) and the promotion of innovation. This multi-faceted approach aligns seamlessly with Lagos State's overarching development agenda, emphasizing the critical role of research and development infused with innovation in shaping the state's future. The inception of this rebranding initiative is attributed to the visionary leadership of Hon. Olatunbosun Alake. It serves a dual purpose by not only distinguishing the ministry from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology but also allowing it to complement the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy at the national level. By doing so, the Ministry of Science and Innovation in Lagos is uniquely positioned to contribute to both federal ministries concurrently. This strategic maneuver is additionally supported by the delineation of the Offices of Innovation & Technology and the Office of Science to enable a much deeper concentration for the sectors. The two offices will see resources allocated along identified disciplines to drive deeper development of the respective fields. This decision reflects the Lagos State government's commitment to consolidating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Innovation under a single, unified umbrella.
Before his meeting with Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in Abuja, Hon. Olatunbosun Alake had outlined a comprehensive agenda and plans that clearly reflect his commitment to making Lagos a digital and innovative powerhouse. These strategic initiatives triggered the rebranding of the ministry and they are integral to the timeline of his vision for Lagos State.
A Vision for Innovation: The Innovation Masterplan
Commissioner Alake's vision revolves around the Innovation Masterplan, a forward-thinking approach to innovation that takes into account societal, economic, and technological trends. The overarching goal of this vision is to establish a practical framework that empowers citizens to cultivate novel concepts for future innovations. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the pressure to manage innovation effectively is immense, and achieving it is something other than accidental. The Master Plan focuses on seven critical performance areas that are fundamental to the success of any innovation endeavor, providing a proven foundation for sustainable innovation enhancement.
Each of these components responds to distinct trend dynamics, offering various models with differing impacts. These models provide precise insights into their potential implications for the state, considering its unique context and ambitions. The Master Plan aims to align Lagos State's strategic initiatives with innovation investments, nurturing a culture of innovation throughout the entire state. With this plan, we have faith that our horizons will expand and provide us with a multitude of practical ideas.
Access
The core objective of creating access is to bridge the divide between available resources and potential innovators. Access to data, markets, and essential equipment serves as a pivotal catalyst for innovation, driving the evolution of the technology and innovation landscape. Central to the Master Plan's success is the linchpin of funding for innovation. Without accessible and sustainable funding, realizing the essential pillars of our vision would remain a distant goal. The success of our initiatives relies heavily on a robust financial framework. Lagos State, with its dynamic capabilities, is strategically mobilizing resources to facilitate multifaceted access, nurturing the growth of locally cultivated solutions to address civic challenges and create new economic opportunities. An issue at the core of this challenge is the lack of private sector involvement, a deficiency we must address at its source to stimulate innovation growth within the Lagos State Government (LASG) and the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC). Key Initiatives include Open Government, Startup Lagos, Expanding the coverage of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), facilitating device accessibility, and enhancing access to shared infrastructure. In response, our primary objectives revolve around designing and implementing more cohorts (grants) crafted to empower companies addressing civic issues. These grants will also elevate LASRIC to new heights in its mission to foster innovation.
Talent: The Backbone of Innovation
Talent is often regarded as the lifeblood of the innovation world. When selecting a location, proximity to available technical talent is one of the most crucial factors for founders. The availability of talent has evolved into a global phenomenon, accelerated by the advent of remote work capabilities. Noteworthy initiatives include the Developers Academy and efforts to enhance tertiary institutions, coupled with STEM/Digital Training Programs. This transformative shift underscores the significance of talent availability as a primary determinant, closely followed by considerations such as funding accessibility, industry networks, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory conditions.
The Building Blocks
For innovation and technology enterprises to flourish, it is imperative to proliferate infrastructure throughout the state. The Metrofibre project aims to spread and de-risk investments in high-speed Metrofibre connections across the city. This project will drive Metrofibre connectivity to 3000km, and its utilization will be an ongoing process. Phase 2 of the Smart City Project, encompassing approximately 150 Smart Cameras with E-Transport solutions, is another integral part of our infrastructure development. Currently, over 2,500km of optic fiber has been deployed across the city, connecting over 100 schools and enabling the deployment of over 2,000 km of optic fiber ducts for strategic telco operators. The targeted timeline for reaching 6000km is 2026.
A Vision for the Future
The Smart City Project seeks to digitize and automate the management of city functions by the year 2030. It is divided into phases, with each sector addressed in specific stages. Phase 1, named the "Safe City and Smart Transportation" phase, aims to enhance the state's security. It involves the installation of over 2,000 Intelligent Video Surveillance Cameras at strategic locations across the city. These cameras will improve security and emergency services by using facial recognition and advanced optical zoom technologies. In parallel, the Smart Transportation initiative will enforce traffic rules and laws using Intelligent Transportation Systems, significantly reducing in-person enforcement and enhancing transportation efficiency. The Smart City Project is a visionary transformation aimed at making Lagos a safer and smarter city.
Enabling Environment and Advocacy
An enabling environment is crucial for the successful implementation of the Lagos State Innovation Masterplan. Projects include establishing internet infrastructure to encourage the development of innovation and technology facilities, implementing effective state-wide cybersecurity measures, and developing government-owned facilities like sandboxes. Collaboration and partnerships with reputable organizations are essential to bridge the divide between citizens and the state. For effective implementation of the Masterplan, comprehensive advocacy campaigns are imperative to keep citizens informed about ongoing projects and updates. This dissemination will occur through various communication channels, including print, digital, and social media platforms. Providing platforms and opportunities for technology companies and startups across the state will be part of primary advocacy activities to enable continued ecosystem growth.
Lagos Innovation Bill and Yaba Tech Free Zone (2021)
The Lagos Innovation Bill and Yaba Tech Free Zone Bill are key legislative initiatives, aimed at fostering innovation and technology growth within the state and creating designated zones for technology companies. The Yaba Tech Free Zone seeks to be a magnet for talent attraction, encouraging rapid prototyping culture, enabling rapid commercialization of minimum viable products (MVPs) and technology services, and fostering collaboration with higher institutions on projects of strategic significance. These initiatives are pivotal for accelerating innovation.
Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC)
LASRIC plays a significant role in funding startups and research and development programs. The goal is to double its funding pool and increase funding interventions. The council's aims include improving services and the quality of life through research outcomes, promoting innovation awareness, managing the Research and Innovation Fund, and fostering local and international collaboration to address local and global challenges. LASRIC will deepen Startup and R&D funding initiatives and seek 100% growth in funding programs.
Driving Efficiency
To enhance government efficiency, standardization, and efficient data management, a framework for digital transformation is vital. The Lagos State Digital Stack will provide standardized platforms for the digital development of IT assets, enable common data-sharing standards, set the stage for G2C platforms, and manage system principles and API standards for
Hon. Olatubosun Alake's dedication to transforming Lagos into a digital and innovative hub was evident when he recently met with Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in Abuja. The purpose of this meeting was to align Lagos's Digital Innovation initiatives with the federal government's agenda, demonstrating the Commissioner's unwavering commitment to positioning Lagos State at the forefront of the digital economy. During this high-level meeting, several key priorities were discussed, highlighting Hon. Olatubosun Alake's comprehensive approach to innovation and development. Foremost among these priorities was the domestication of the Startup Bill, which will subsequently serve as the Lagos Innovation Bill. This legislative initiative aims to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship within the state.
The Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Honorable Olatubosun Alake, has embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape the state's science and digital innovation landscape. Under his innovative leadership, the ministry has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. This transition represents a strategic decision to harness the power of science and innovation to accelerate Lagos's progress toward becoming a smart city and bolstering its digital economy.
To enhance government efficiency, standardization, and efficient data management, a framework for digital transformation is vital. The Lagos State Digital Stack will provide standardized platforms for the digital development of IT assets, enable common data-sharing standards, set the stage for G2C platforms, and manage system principles and API standards.
Hon. Olatubosun Alake's dedication to transforming Lagos into a digital and innovative hub was evident when he recently met with Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in Abuja. The purpose of this meeting was to align Lagos's Digital Innovation initiatives with the federal government's agenda, demonstrating the Commissioner's unwavering commitment to positioning Lagos State at the forefront of the digital economy. During this high-level meeting, several key priorities were discussed, highlighting Hon. Olatubosun Alake's comprehensive approach to innovation and development. Foremost among these priorities was the domestication of the Startup Bill, which will subsequently serve as the Lagos Innovation Bill. This legislative initiative aims to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship within the state.
L-R Victor Gbenga Afolabi (Founder Eko Innovation Centre), Hon. Tunbosun Alake (Comm. Ministry of Science and Innovation), Dr. Bosun Tijani (Hon. Minister for Communications and Digital Innovation)
Honorable Olatubosun Alake giving Keynote Address at Government and Tech Summit
Furthermore, Hon. Olatubosun Alake expressed his commitment to helping catalyze the growth of data centers across the state, bolstering its digital infrastructure, and paving the way for a thriving digital economy.
The Commissioner's visionary leadership, innovative strategies, and commitment to science and technology have set Lagos State on an exciting path toward becoming a smart city and a digital economy powerhouse. By merging science and innovation under one banner, actively collaborating with federal counterparts, and advancing transformative projects like the KITE Project, Lagos is poised for an exciting future filled with technological progress and digital innovation. The forthcoming cocktail event at the Art of Technology Lagos 5.0 promises to provide even more insights into the Commissioner's vision for Lagos's digital transformation.
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