(L) Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, with Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy (R).

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, Nigeria, has announced a 6,000km Metro-Fibre Duct Project to accelerate digital transformation.

He remarked this recently during the opening ceremony of the Art of Technology Lagos 5.0 conference, while delivering a lecture on the theme "The Creative Economy and a Digital Lagos."

The governor stated that one of Lagos State's measures for the creative industry is the deployment of a 6,000-kilometer metro-fibre duct project, which he claims is already 50% complete.

The 6,000km Metro-Fibre Duct would be constructed across Lagos State, according to the governor, to improve digital learning, support tele-health, and ensure an increase in e-commerce, among other benefits.

He stated that the initiatives were aimed at creating Lagos a Smart City, and that interconnection would also help to balance life and work activities.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the Smart City initiative has not only improved the efficiency of public services but has also considerably improved the general quality of life for Lagos State residents.

He said: "The initiative has incorporated smart technology into transport, infrastructure surveillance and security, health care services, education and government services."

The governor also stated that technological advancements are increasing productivity in vital sectors of the Lagos State economy.

According to him, "the transformative impact of technology on the state's development is profound and has been propelling a remarkable 500 per cent increase in productivity across pivotal sectors, ranging from agriculture to manufacturing."

"Our journey is not without formidable challenges," he said. “Notably, piracy is a significant threat to the creative economy. According to recent data, a considerable amount of creative work is pirated, resulting in enormous economic losses each year. It is critical that we address this issue jointly, putting in place safeguards for intellectual property and cultivating an atmosphere in which creativity is not only safeguarded but also thrives."

The Governor, on the other hand, emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration among the government, private sector , academia, and civil society in order to create a vibrant digital heartbeat in Lagos, which will contribute to a creative economy.