Lagos to lead Nigeria into $1 trillion future

Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged that the state will remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s drive to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, through innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Speaking on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is positioning itself as the hub of Africa’s digital future.

“Today, as we explore the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, we are doing more than just showcasing technology; we are building partnerships, sparking innovation, and laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030,” he said.

The governor noted that Lagos currently hosts 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies, as identified by the Financial Times, adding that the state’s vibrant innovation ecosystem is powered by supportive policies, private enterprise, and a resilient startup culture.

The GITEX Expo, organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with KAOUN International, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is one of the largest gatherings of global and local tech leaders. Participants include IBM, Meta, MTN, AWS, Cisco, and a wide array of Nigerian startups.

Sanwo-Olu praised the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his leadership in advancing artificial intelligence infrastructure and inclusive digital solutions that are reshaping Nigeria’s global tech standing.

In his remarks, Tijani stressed the urgency of strengthening digital infrastructure to meet Lagos’ rapid urban growth, noting that the city attracts about 2,000 new residents daily. He announced a new government-backed programme set to launch on October 1, which will fund 75 additional digital research projects, deepening collaboration between Nigerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora.

The minister also emphasized the need for partnerships among startups, corporates, and government to scale innovation and build resilience across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

“Lagos is not just a city; it is a movement,” Sanwo-Olu declared, urging innovators and stakeholders at the expo to seize opportunities, connect, and create a future that will position Nigeria — and Africa — as global leaders in the digital economy.