Lagos Secures $22 Million FDI to Expand Fibre Infrastructure for Digital Growth

The Lagos State Government has secured a significant $22 million foreign direct investment (FDI) to expand its fibre optic infrastructure, reinforcing its ambition to become a fully smart, digitally connected city. The announcement was made on Monday during a ministerial press briefing by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to Daramola, the investment was secured through the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), which continues to spearhead the state’s efforts to deepen broadband connectivity. The new funding will go toward the installation of an additional 2,700km of fibre optic cables, adding to the 3,000km already laid by Western Telecom and Engineering Services (WTES).

“This investment will significantly boost Lagos’ digital infrastructure, enhance internet access, and support the government’s vision for a smart city,” Daramola said.

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The Fibre Future of Lagos

The fresh injection of FDI comes at a critical time as Lagos embarks on the second phase of its metro fibre rollout. Back in March, the government launched the next stage of its 3,300km fibre optic project, which builds upon the 2,700km already completed. This initiative has already made measurable impact by facilitating over one million new internet subscriptions between 2023 and 2025.

With the growing reach of broadband services, telecom operators are now able to extend their services into previously underserved communities, significantly reducing the digital divide.

As part of this tech-forward initiative, the Lagos State Government is also enhancing public safety through the Safe City Project. Smart surveillance systems and traffic management technologies are being installed at strategic points including Alapere and Allen Avenue, using fibre connectivity to streamline operations in real time. These tools are instrumental in addressing urban security challenges and improving traffic flow in Nigeria’s most populous city.

Next-Gen Connectivity: Data Centres and Smart Surveillance

In addition to fibre installations, Lagos is investing heavily in the development of digital infrastructure. Governor Sanwo-Olu recently revealed that the state will lay an additional 1,200km of fibre optic cable in 2025. Moreover, four state-of-the-art data centres are currently under construction, forming a key pillar in the state’s broader digital transformation strategy.

The overarching goal is to strengthen Lagos’ capacity for digital services, including cloud computing, e-governance, and big data applications, to support both private sector innovation and public service delivery.

To date, the state has already completed 3,500km of its planned 6,800km fibre optic network. This massive infrastructure project is expected to boost internet bandwidth, improve service reliability, and lower the cost of connectivity for residents and businesses.

Lagos: Africa’s Leading Tech Hub

Lagos continues to cement its status as the leading technology and innovation hub in Africa. The state is home to over 60% of Nigeria’s tech startups. In 2023 alone, startups based in Lagos attracted over $1.2 billion in investments, representing a staggering 75% of all tech funding in Nigeria.

The surge in investment is a direct result of improved digital infrastructure and the government’s proactive stance on fostering innovation. By creating a more connected ecosystem, Lagos is not only supporting local entrepreneurship but also positioning itself as a competitive global tech destination.

Smart Governance in Action

Lagos’ push towards digitisation is not limited to infrastructure alone. More than 450 smart surveillance cameras have already been deployed across the city for security and traffic management. Additionally, 14 government agencies have successfully digitised their services, increasing efficiency and public access.

These efforts are reshaping how the government interacts with citizens and businesses—making processes faster, more transparent, and user-friendly.

The $22 million FDI into Lagos’ fibre infrastructure marks a major milestone in the state’s digital journey. With expansive fibre rollouts, cutting-edge data centres, smart city initiatives, and an innovation-driven economy, Lagos is fast becoming the blueprint for smart urban development in Africa.

As these projects come to fruition, they promise not just improved connectivity but also long-term socioeconomic growth, job creation, and better quality of life for Lagosians.