The Lagos State Government has intensified its engagement with stakeholders concerning the proposed Innovation and Technology Bill, aimed at fostering a more enabling environment for innovation, technology development, and digital transformation in the state. This initiative underscores Lagos’s commitment to positioning itself as a leading tech hub in Africa.
During a recent stakeholder forum, key players from the tech industry, legal experts, government officials, and representatives of civil society gathered to review and provide input on the bill. The objective is to ensure the legislation is inclusive, practical, and aligned with the needs of the tech ecosystem. The bill proposes to establish a legal framework for innovation activities, intellectual property rights, and funding support for startups and tech-based enterprises.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, the bill is designed to formalize existing innovation structures, encourage research and development, and support talent development. He emphasized that the bill is not only about regulation but also about creating opportunities and a sustainable structure for tech-driven economic growth.
Stakeholders expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of government backing for innovation. However, they also raised concerns about the need for transparency, proper implementation mechanisms, and alignment with global best practices. They stressed the importance of avoiding excessive regulation that could stifle creativity and innovation.
The forum also discussed the role of Lagos in leading Nigeria’s digital economy and how the bill could attract local and foreign investments in the tech space. Emphasis was placed on collaboration between the private sector and government in building a resilient and future-proof innovation ecosystem.
The engagement reflects Lagos State’s inclusive approach to policymaking, aiming to ensure that the final version of the bill benefits all stakeholders. With the innovation bill, Lagos hopes to solidify its status as a smart city and tech innovation powerhouse, driving job creation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion across Nigeria.
The deepened stakeholder engagement marks a key step toward establishing a robust legislative framework that can support and accelerate Lagos’s growing tech landscape.
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