Lagos State has landed a $22 million foreign direct investment to deepen its fibre optic network by 2,700 kilometres, signaling a major step toward its ambition of becoming a fully digitised, smart city.
The announcement was made by Engr. Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, during a briefing to mark the administration’s second term in office. According to him, the fresh investment, facilitated by the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), will boost ongoing fibre duct installations and enhance internet connectivity across the state.
With 3,000km of fibre already laid under previous phases, the additional 2,700km brings Lagos closer to its target of 6,800km of fibre optic infrastructure—forming the backbone of its digital transformation drive.
The expansion is not just about faster broadband, but part of a broader strategy to digitally connect underserved communities and lay the groundwork for smart governance. Already, the state has rolled out over 450 smart surveillance cameras in areas such as Alapere and Allen Avenue, and digitised services across 14 government agencies.
From safer streets to smarter traffic systems, the infrastructure is reshaping how Lagos functions, and the results are beginning to show. Between 2023 and 2025, the state recorded over one million new internet users, thanks to deeper broadband access.
Lagos is also emerging as Nigeria’s tech capital. In 2023 alone, it attracted over $1.2 billion in startup funding, accounting for 75% of all tech investment in the country. With four data centres under construction and another 1,200km of fibre planned for 2025, the state is building a robust digital ecosystem from the ground up.
But with opportunity comes risk. The government has raised concerns over infrastructure vandalism, which has cost the state heavily in the past. In response, new installations will feature theft-resistant composite materials to protect key assets like manhole covers and railings.
This digital transformation is one pillar of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, a strategic plan to position Lagos as a resilient, inclusive, and competitive megacity. Complementing the tech push are physical infrastructure upgrades—since 2023, over 1,100 roads have been rehabilitated, and the Lagos State Public Works Corporation has evolved from basic repairs to full-scale road construction.
As Lagos continues to attract foreign investment and scale its digital infrastructure, the city is making bold moves to define the future of urban development in Nigeria and beyond.
