Tubosun Alake on how to leverage technology for a “smart Lagos”

Leveraging on technology is the way to go to achieve the 'smart Lagos' agenda towards a sustainable and liveable city. Tubosun Alake, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Innovation and Technology, shared insights on the various projects aimed at transforming Lagos into a smart city. The Smart Lagos initiative encompasses a comprehensive approach to managing the city's affairs more efficiently, making it more sustainable, liveable, and efficient. By leveraging data, smart devices, and various technologies, the initiative seeks to address the challenges posed by rapid population growth by better managing resources. The key areas of focus within the Smart Lagos initiative include intelligent transport networks, smart grids, data insights, and government engagement with the citizenry. Through the implementation of smart technologies, Lagos aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents and create a more sustainable urban environment. One of the critical first steps towards achieving this vision is the development of a robust communication architecture. The expansion of the Metro Fiber project, which involves laying 6,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across the city, is underway. This infrastructure will connect state agencies, schools, and healthcare centers, enabling faster access to essential services such as telemedicine and digitalized learning tools. Additionally, the enterprise geographic information system is digitizing land administration, allowing citizens to access land records dating back to the 1860s. By embracing digitalization and connectivity, Lagos is paving the way for improved health outcomes, education, and overall civic development. Collaboration between the Lagos state government and the private sector plays a crucial role in advancing the Smart Lagos agenda. By involving private companies in key projects such as mapping the landscape and enhancing educational technology, Lagos seeks to leverage the expertise and resources of the private sector. Initiatives like the docked infrastructure under the Metro Fiber project aim to reduce the cost barriers for infrastructure companies, promoting competition and innovation in the market. As visible signs of progress emerge, Lagos residents can expect tangible benefits from the smart city initiatives. Projects like the Coexcel project, which distributes smart devices in schools, have already shown promising results, with improved literacy rates and accelerated learning outcomes for students. The elimination of costly civil works for telecom expansion further highlights the positive impact of the Smart Lagos initiative on infrastructure development. As Lagos continues its journey towards becoming a smart city, the collaboration between the public and private sectors will be essential in driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability for the benefit of all residents.