Lagos State has secured $22 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) for the expansion of its fibre optic infrastructure. Announced during a ministerial press briefing commemorating the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, this investment positions Lagos for a new era of smart connectivity and economic empowerment, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
According to Special Advisers Femi Daramola (Infrastructure) and Dr. Adekunle Olayinka (Works), the investment will fund the installation of 2,700 kilometers of additional fibre ducts, building on 3,000 kilometers already completed by Western Telecommunications and Engineering Services (WTES). This expanded network is expected to significantly enhance internet speed and coverage across underserved areas, enabling small businesses to fully embrace the digital economy.
The initiative is being delivered through the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), which has also deployed a Geographic Information System (GIS) for mapping fibre routes—an innovation that improves infrastructure planning, coordination, and service delivery responsiveness.
Driving Digital Access for MSMEs
For thousands of MSMEs in Lagos, improved internet infrastructure is more than just faster connectivity—it’s a lifeline for survival and growth. In a state where over 60% of Nigeria’s tech startups are based, digital tools are critical for marketing, payments, supply chain management, and customer service. The expanded fibre network will empower small businesses to:
- Boost Online Presence: With better bandwidth, more MSMEs can engage in e-commerce, digital advertising, and customer engagement through social media platforms.
- Improve Productivity: Enhanced internet access means smoother integration with cloud services and financial platforms that streamline business operations.
- Expand Market Reach: Businesses can now access national and international customers, tapping into global digital marketplaces.
Creating a Smart and Inclusive Lagos
The fibre expansion is part of a broader push by the Sanwo-Olu administration to digitize Lagos. Four world-class data centres are under construction, and 14 government agencies have already transitioned to digital platforms for service delivery. The Safe City Project, another pillar of the initiative, has seen the deployment of over 450 smart surveillance and traffic management systems across urban centres like Alapere and Allen Avenue.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision extends to a total of 6,800 kilometers of fibre optic cable across the state, with 3,500 kilometers already laid. A second-phase rollout is ongoing, with additional 1,200 kilometers scheduled for 2025. These investments aim to solidify Lagos’s position as Africa’s top technology hub, a title it already holds, having attracted $1.2 billion in startup funding in 2023 alone.
Challenges and Forward Path
Despite the promise, the government acknowledges challenges such as infrastructure vandalism and cable theft. Authorities are stepping up enforcement and have begun using composite materials for manhole covers and handrails to deter criminals.
Conclusion
The $22 million fibre investment is not just about cables and connectivity—it’s about empowering communities, transforming businesses, and creating a digitally inclusive economy. As Lagos continues to expand its digital backbone, it is setting the stage for long-term innovation, prosperity, and global competitiveness. From broadband access to smart governance, the city’s digital ambitions are not only within reach—they’re being built, one fibre line at a time.
