Lagos, Nigeria — In a significant stride towards enhancing digital infrastructure, the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (LAMIST) announced the completion of the first phase of an ambitious project aimed at drastically reducing the cost of internet connectivity across the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, during the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Monday.
Marking the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, Alake highlighted the completion of 2,700 kilometers of fiber duct laid throughout Lagos State.
This milestone represents the first phase of a comprehensive plan to extend internet accessibility and affordability for residents and businesses.
“Phase II of the project comprises an additional 3,300 kilometers of unified fiber ducts being laid across the state,” Alake revealed.
“We will utilize the duct to bring down the cost of internet connectivity in the state,” he added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a more digitally connected Lagos.
The fiber duct initiative is expected to significantly reduce internet costs by creating a robust infrastructure that allows for increased competition among internet service providers.
This competition, in turn, is anticipated to drive down prices, making high-speed internet more accessible to a broader segment of the population.
In addition to the fiber duct project, Alake outlined several other technological advancements and deployments designed to enhance urban management and security in Lagos.
The administration has installed 450 intelligent cameras, including number plate recognition cameras, across key areas of the state.
These technologies aim to improve traffic management by removing guesswork and enabling real-time data-driven decisions to alleviate congestion and enhance road safety.
“All these technologies are to assist traffic management in Lagos, remove the guesswork, and ensure better management of the city,” said Alake. The strategic placement of these cameras is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce the incidence of traffic-related issues in the bustling metropolis.
Moreover, the Lagos State Government has launched a cutting-edge cybersecurity project as part of its broader strategy to enhance digital safety and protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Alake underscored the importance of this initiative in bolstering the state’s defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.
The cybersecurity project is a collaborative effort involving leading cybersecurity firms and an international organization.
This partnership is designed to provide Lagos State with advanced technologies and expertise, thereby strengthening its capacity to safeguard its digital infrastructure.
“Providing the state with technologies and expertise will enhance its capacity to defend its technologies against sophisticated cyber threats,” Alake stated.
This initiative is a crucial component of the state’s efforts to ensure that its digital transformation is secure and resilient against potential cyber threats.
The Ministerial Press Briefing served as a platform to highlight the significant achievements of LAMIST over the past year and to outline the administration’s forward-looking plans.
With these projects, the Lagos State Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
As Lagos State moves forward with these initiatives, it sets a benchmark for other regions aiming to harness the power of technology for urban development and governance.
The successful implementation of these projects is poised to transform Lagos into a more connected, secure, and technologically advanced city.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members
