By Newspot Nigeria Editorial Team
Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) has taken a decisive step forward in institutionalizing science, technology, and innovation governance by hosting its second major stakeholder engagement on the draft Lagos Innovation Bill.
Kehinde Ibrahim, a Head of Data Privacy and Enterprise Architecture who participated in the session, stated that the event aimed to deliberate on the legislative framework that will guide promotion, funding, and governance of science and innovation in Lagos.
“The bill, when passed into law, would provide a legal framework for the promotion, funding, development, and governance of Innovation, Science, and Technology research in the State,” he shared via LinkedIn, adding that it would also promote strategic alliances among government agencies, industry consortia, research institutions, and other stakeholders.
What the Bill Entails
Once enacted, the Lagos Innovation Bill will:
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Establish the Lagos State Science, Research & Innovation Commission to oversee funding, implementation, and regulation;
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Streamline access to intellectual property protections, venture capital, and industry–university collaboration frameworks;
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Promote inclusive grassroots participation from researchers, startups, and technologists across Lagos;
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Support deployment of digital infrastructure like fibre optics, research labs, and innovation hubs.
The bill draws inspiration from global models like Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute and Israel’s Innovation Authority, but aims for a uniquely localized rollout to support innovators from Ikorodu to Epe.
Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, emphasized the need for this law to move Lagos from “spontaneous tech activity to an organized innovation economy” driven by legal and structural support.
Stakeholder Participation
The session brought together top technocrats and industry experts, including MIST’s Permanent Secretary Ibilola Kasunmu, Special Adviser Ganiyu Oseni, and thought leaders like Joel Ogunshola and Omotayo Fisuyi. Discussions included best practices, legal protection for innovators, and how to align with the Nigeria Startup Act while expanding beyond its limited scope.
Breakout working groups reviewed key sections of the draft bill, offering feedback that will now inform its final revision.
With mounting support and robust consultations, the Lagos Innovation Bill stands poised to transform the state into a continental innovation powerhouse. Its passage could not only spark a new wave of research and development but also signal that Lagos means business in the global knowledge economy.
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