By Johnson Adebowale
In the bustling heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital, a quiet revolution is brewing—one that could redefine Lagos as Africa’s premier hub for innovation. On a crisp morning at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) convened a diverse group of dreamers and doers: tech entrepreneurs, university researchers, policymakers, and grassroots innovators. Their mission? To shape the Lagos Innovation Bill, a landmark piece of legislation poised to transform ideas into global enterprises and democratize opportunity across the state.
This wasn’t a typical government meeting filled with jargon and bureaucracy. The air buzzed with urgency and possibility as stakeholders pored over a refined draft of the bill, offering critiques and ideas to ensure it reflects the pulse of Lagos’ vibrant tech ecosystem. From agritech startups in Ikorodu to researchers in Epe, the bill promises to weave every corner of the state into a tapestry of innovation.
Commissioner Olatunbosun Alake, a tech visionary with a knack for blending global ambition with local grit, set the tone. “We’re not just chasing trends,” he declared. “We’re building a system where ideas become inventions, startups become giants, and every Lagosian has a shot at creating the future.” Drawing inspiration from Silicon Valley, Alake envisions a structured pipeline—supported by law—that turns raw talent into scalable businesses.
The Lagos Innovation Bill builds on the Nigerian Startup Act but goes further, casting a wider net over universities, industries, digital infrastructure, and research ecosystems. “This isn’t just about startups,” Alake emphasized. “It’s about protecting intellectual property, funding research, and creating tools to attract global investment.” At its core, the bill is a commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that innovation isn’t confined to Lagos Island’s tech hubs but reaches students, farmers, and entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
For Tolu Adebayo, a 27-year-old agritech founder from Badagry, the bill is a lifeline. “I’ve got ideas to revolutionize farming, but access to funding and tech tools is tough,” she said during a breakout session. “If this bill delivers, it could mean my small startup can compete globally.” Her story echoes the aspirations of many in the room, where personal dreams intertwined with Lagos’ bold vision.
Permanent Secretary Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu reinforced the government’s commitment to collaboration. “We’re not here to dictate,” she said. “You live this ecosystem—you know its gaps. Help us make this bill work for you.” Her words resonated with Joel Ogunshola, founder of Tech for Tech, who praised Lagos for tailoring national policies to local realities. “This bill is about unlocking talent and growth on a scale we’ve never seen,” he said.
As legal expert Alex Adedipe walked attendees through the bill’s provisions, breakout groups buzzed with debates over funding models, intellectual property protections, and digital infrastructure. Feedback flowed freely, from practical tweaks to ambitious additions, all aimed at crafting a law that’s both visionary and grounded.
Special adviser, Engr. Ganiyu Oseni, closed the session with a pledge to keep the dialogue alive. “This bill isn’t a finish line—it’s a foundation,” he said. “We’ll keep refining it with you until it’s a law that powers Lagos’ future.”
As stakeholders left the Marriott, there was a shared sense of ownership. The Lagos Innovation Bill isn’t just legislation; it’s a collective dream to make Lagos a global beacon of innovation, one inclusive step at a time.