Lagos surpasses 1M Internet users, powers bold 24-hour digital economy vision

Lagos State has recorded a significant leap in digital connectivity, with the number of internet subscribers hitting one million between 2024 and 2025, according to the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatubosun Alake.

Speaking during a ministerial press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday, Alake said the increase in connected density was directly linked to the state’s aggressive investment in fibre infrastructure and digital programmes.

“Due to our efforts in fibre rollout and connectivity, the number of internet subscribers increased to approximately 1 million between 2024 and 2025,” he announced.

The Commissioner explained that the state’s MetroFibre Project, which aims to deliver 6,000km of optic fibre ducts, is central to the plan to achieve a 24-hour economy powered by reliable digital infrastructure.

“This project seeks to deliver 6,000km of optic fibre and ducts to improve the digital penetration of the state,” Alake said.

“The goal is to create a safe and secure environment that supports a 24-hour economy, creates more jobs, increases GDP and ultimately enhances the internally generated revenue (IGR) of Lagos.”

As part of its Safe City initiative, the Lagos State Government is also deploying intelligent video cameras across strategic locations to support digital traffic enforcement and security monitoring.

“This project involves the deployment of intelligent video cameras in phases — I, II, and III — to improve safety and traffic compliance across the state,” he stated.

Alake also highlighted Lagos’ growing cybersecurity capability, revealing that the state now detects and mitigates thousands of cyberattacks monthly.

“The Lagos State cybersecurity posture has improved significantly over the past year. Recently, our cybersecurity team successfully mitigated two data exfiltration attempts,” he said.

“We continue to ensure the state remains digitally safe.”

On the human capital development front, Alake unveiled the Digital Leap Programme, a large-scale initiative targeting 50,000 young Lagosians aged 18 to 35, to train them in key digital skills such as data science, coding, and digital marketing.

“The Digital Leap is designed to create a tech-savvy, job-ready workforce,” he said. “It provides a blend of online and in-person training through strategic partnerships with tech companies and educational institutions.”

He added: “This is part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading digital hub in Africa.”

The Commissioner also reiterated the importance of the annual Art of Technology (AOT) Lagos Conference, which brings together industry stakeholders, venture capital firms, policymakers, and startups to shape policies for a smarter Lagos.

“AOT Lagos is a flagship event that drives technology outcomes and influences policy direction,” he said. “It reflects our commitment to fostering a strong innovation ecosystem.”

Also highlighted was the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the growing importance of the LAG ID card, with over 6.46 million registration records now in the state’s database, including more than 4 million adults and over 2.4 million children.

“The LAG ID project is central to our goal of improving governance efficiency,” Alake noted.

“It allows for seamless integration and data sharing among government agencies, helping to enhance service delivery,” he added.

Alake emphasised that all these efforts are in line with the THEMES+ Agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

“Our vision is bold: a fully digitised Lagos, driven by smart infrastructure, inclusive innovation, and a secure digital environment. With what we have achieved so far, the journey is well underway.”