The upcoming GITEX Nigeria has the full support of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu, who has pledged strong state backing to make sure the international technology and innovation event is hosted successfully.
Describing Lagos as Nigeria’s digital heartbeat, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making GITEX Nigeria a world-class experience for both local and global participants.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance when he received a high-powered delegation led by the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), KashifuI Inuwa, alongside the President and Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, during a strategic courtesy visit to the Lagos House.
The visit was part of preparations for the maiden edition of GITEX Nigeria, set to be held in Lagos and Abuja on 1st to 4th September, 2025.
During the visit, the NITDA Director General briefed the Governor on the significance of GITEX Nigeria in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly as it relates to economic diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing & innovation.
He noted that the conference also aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on driving digital transformation through global partnerships and inclusive growth.
Inuwa disclosed that the event is expected to attract over 15,000 participants, including 3,000 international delegates, and will deliver immense economic and societal benefits for Lagos and Nigeria at large.
According to the DG, Abuja will host the AI Leadership Summit, which includes a presidential roundtable on digital transformation, while Lagos will host the Global Future Economy Summit, a Startup Festival, and a proposed Lagos Innovation Day.
The Governor’s endorsement also marked the symbolic handover of the Lagos hosting mandate, fulfilling a challenge he issued in 2023 for Nigeria to bring GITEX to its shores. He commended NITDA and the Dubai World Trade Centre for their collaborative efforts, expressing confidence that the event will inspire participants and reinforce Nigeria’s digital future.
It could be recalled that on 30th May, 2024, the Federal Government, through NITDA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to host the world’s largest technology fair, GITEX for the first time in Nigeria during GITEX Africa in Marrakesh, Morocco.
GITEX Nigeria is expected to serve as a major milestone in showcasing Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s digital transformation, while providing a platform for startups, innovators, and investors to connect and thrive.
Jide Johnson.