Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his commitment to positioning the state as a leader in Nigeria’s drive to achieve a one trillion dollar economy by 2030. He said the government would rely on innovation, technology, and strategic collaborations to achieve this vision.
Speaking at the opening of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation and a hub of opportunities for investors.
The governor explained that Lagos is already home to 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies, as identified by the Financial Times. According to him, this achievement is driven by a dynamic innovation ecosystem supported by progressive government policies, strong private sector investment, and an energetic startup culture.
“We’re not just showcasing technology today; we’re forging partnerships and igniting innovation to propel Nigeria toward its one trillion dollar economic target,” Sanwo-Olu said.
His remarks come as President Bola Tinubu continues to push the ambition of transforming Nigeria into a trillion-dollar economy within the decade.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that Lagos is more than just a city, describing it as a movement. He urged innovators and stakeholders at the expo to seize opportunities, connect with global players, and help shape a future that would place Nigeria and Africa as leaders in the digital economy.
The GITEX Expo is organised 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. The event is regarded as one of the largest gatherings of global and local technology leaders. Participants at this year’s edition include IBM, Meta, MTN, AWS, Cisco, and a wide range of Nigerian startups.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for advancing artificial intelligence infrastructure and driving inclusive digital solutions that continue to improve Nigeria’s global technology reputation.
In his remarks, Dr. Tijani said the rapid growth of Lagos, which attracts about 2,000 new residents every day, has made it urgent to expand digital infrastructure. He announced that a new government-backed programme will launch on October 1, funding 75 additional digital research projects. The minister explained that this initiative is aimed at strengthening collaboration between Nigerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora community.
He further stressed the importance of partnerships between startups, corporates, and government to scale innovation and build resilience across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.