Lagos State government has revealed that its Metro Fibre project of rolling out 6,000km fibre optic ducts has paid off leading to an increase in the number of internet subscribers to one million between 2024 and 2025.
This was disclosed by the state’s commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake at a ministerial press briefing to mark the second year in office of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Alausa, Ikeja.
While explaining the mandate of the ministry, the commissioner listed among others, science and policy promotion, infrastructure management, science and ICT Advisory, IT-Service management, smart projects and e-governance.
He said the state government through the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) has so far registered 6,465,667 residents.
Out of the total registered, the number of adults was 4,058,833 while children were 2,407,224.
Alake stated that the government targets to register over 20 million while working vigorously to register 10 million in the next two years.
He said, “Building a digitised city will require physical infrastructure connections to improve the digital connectivity of the state.
“The MetroFibre project seeks to deliver 6000km of optic fibre and optic fibre ducts for increase in digital penetration.
“Due to efforts in fibre roll out and connectivity, the number of internet subscribers will increase to approximately one million between 2024 and 2025.”
In building a digitised 24/7 city, Alake explained that there has been the introduction of Intelligent Video Surveillance systems installed in areas such as Alapere and Bank Anthony Way areas of the state.
He said it would allow companies to operate in a state and secure environment thereby creating a safer and more conducive environment for businesses which would lead to more jobs and increasing IGR of the state.
Harping on Artificial Intelligence, Alake explained that, “AI is now astronomic and we know the danger in it. So, we want to ensure that when people build the AI, it is safe and takes our diversity into consideration and also makes sure it is fair.”
