Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Lagos’ Commitment to Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy Target at GITEX 2025

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s commitment to positioning Lagos as the hub of innovation and technology in Africa, aligning with Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025, held on Wednesday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos represents the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economic drive and remains central to advancing digital transformation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.

“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor emphasised Lagos’ growing innovation ecosystem, citing that 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies are based in the state. He added that global events like GITEX amplify Lagos’ efforts by creating new opportunities for talent development, expanding digital infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships across sectors.

Sanwo-Olu also commended the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, for championing initiatives that advance artificial intelligence infrastructure and inclusive digital solutions, saying his leadership has repositioned Nigeria in the global technology landscape.

In his address, Tijani highlighted Lagos’ rapid urbanisation, noting that the city absorbs about 2,000 new residents daily, a trend that heightens the need for robust digital infrastructure. He announced a new government-backed initiative set to launch on October 1, which will support 75 additional research projects in the digital sector, with active participation from local innovators and the diaspora.

The minister underscored the importance of collaboration among startups, corporates, and government in scaling innovation, stressing that Nigeria must build a resilient digital system capable of competing globally.

The GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo 2025, organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with KAOUN International, the Federal Ministry of Communications, and NITDA, attracted global tech giants such as IBM, Meta, AWS, MTN, and Cisco, alongside leading Nigerian startups.

Sanwo-Olu concluded by urging participants to embrace innovation and collaboration, saying: “We are not just crafting a digital Nigeria; we are shaping a digital Africa that will inspire the world.”