The Lagos State Government has highlighted fresh progress in its drive to position the state as Africa’s leading smart city.
The government unveiled major achievements in artificial intelligence, digital governance, traffic monitoring, and innovation development.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, disclosed the milestones on Wednesday during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa.
The briefing was to mark the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
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One of the key announcements centred on Lagos’ “Safe City” initiative, which continues to rely on technology to improve traffic management and public safety.
According to Mr Alake, the state’s Intelligent Transport System has recorded more than 737,000 traffic violations through automated digital surveillance and AI-powered enforcement tools.
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He said the system has significantly improved traffic compliance while strengthening security coordination across the state.
Modernise
The commissioner also revealed that the state government has continued to modernise its internal operations through its Enterprise Architecture initiative.
Under the programme, 192 out of 211 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have already been assessed.
232 application workloads were documented to help reduce IT costs, eliminate duplication, and improve efficiency across government institutions.
As part of its wider digital transformation strategy, Lagos has also intensified its adoption of artificial intelligence.
Mr Alake announced the rollout of the state’s official AI Guidelines, designed to regulate and encourage responsible use of emerging technologies across both public and private sectors.
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He added that the government has introduced an AI-powered e-governance chatbot to improve communication with residents and enhance public service delivery.
The Lagos State Digital Service Platform, he said, now attracts more than 250,000 visitors monthly, reflecting growing public engagement with digital government services.
Resources allocation
On identity management, the commissioner disclosed that the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) has registered 6.4 million residents under the Lagos Identity Card Project.
He described the database as a critical planning tool that supports effective resource allocation, urban planning, and data-driven governance.
To strengthen cybersecurity and data privacy compliance, the state has also deployed 109 Data Protection Officers across various MDAs to ensure adherence to global standards and improve protection against cyber threats.
Mr Alake stressed that Lagos is positioning itself not only as a consumer of technology but also as a centre for innovation and tech development.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) has supported more than 75 startups and disbursed over N900 million in research grants to encourage innovation and scientific advancement.
The commissioner further announced the completion of the Science Experience Centre, which is expected to strengthen STEM education and inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among young people.
He also noted that the annual Art of Technology (AOT) Conference continues to attract global industry players while serving as a platform for policy discussions, innovation partnerships, and foreign tech investment.
Mr Alake commended Lagos students for their outstanding performances at the Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award competitions in 2024 and 2025.
He attributed the achievements to the state government’s sustained investment in education, innovation, and technology-driven development.
