The Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has presented a revised draft of the Lagos Innovation Bill aimed at creating a legal framework to support the state's innovation ecosystem.
The bill was unveiled during a stakeholder session held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, bringing together players from the startup, research, academic, and tech communities.
Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, said the bill is designed to move Lagos from fragmented innovation efforts to a structured system that turns ideas into inventions, startups, and globally competitive businesses.
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"It goes beyond startups," he said. "It covers knowledge institutions, research and development, digital infrastructure, funding, and investor protections. The goal is to make Lagos a hub where innovation can thrive across sectors."
Alake added that the bill complements the federal Nigeria Startup Act and will help extend innovation beyond elite tech clusters to underserved communities.
"If innovation is to be meaningful, it must be democratised," he said. "We want researchers in Epe and agritech startups in Ikorodu to have the same access to funding, training, and legal support."
The bill is expected to be a major step toward institutionalising innovation as a key driver of economic growth in Lagos.
