Lagos to Expand Fibre-Optic Network by 1,200km in 2025

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced plans to extend the state’s fibre-optic network by an additional 1,200 kilometers in 2025, complementing the existing 2,500 kilometers.

Speaking at the sixth edition of the Art of Technology Lagos Conference themed “AI and the Lagos Digital Economy,” held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

This annual event convened industry stakeholders, policymakers, government officials, venture capitalists, startups, and tech talent to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Lagos’s digital future and the broader African economy.

The governor, represented by Deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, also revealed plans to host world-class data centres in Lagos within the next 24 months. These initiatives aim to provide the backbone for scalable, innovative solutions and further solidify Lagos’s position as Africa’s leading technology hub.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted that Lagos accounts for over 60% of Nigeria’s tech startups, with Lagos-based startups raising over $1.2 billion in 2023, representing 75% of all startup investments in Nigeria. He attributed these achievements to deliberate policies and investments that have created an enabling environment for innovation.

Also Read: Nigeria to Invest $2 Billion in Fiber Optic Infrastructure Project

The Governor also mentioned the deployment of over 450 smart cameras under the Safe City Project to enhance public safety and traffic management, as well as the Lagos Digital Service Platform, which embodies the state’s vision of accessible, transparent, and efficient governance.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the extension of the fibre-optic network and the establishment of data centres are not just about infrastructure but about empowering people and driving sustainable development across sectors. He noted that the state’s digitization efforts have been yielding positive results, with 14 government agencies digitizing citizen-facing services to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.

Through the Enterprise Architecture Project, Lagos is harmonising data systems to prepare for AI-driven service delivery, aiming for faster responses and smoother interactions between citizens and the government.