Lagos State has laid approximately 4,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable, surpassing earlier projections and underscoring the state’s commitment to enhancing internet accessibility for its 15 million residents and thriving startup ecosystem. Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology Olatunbosun Alake revealed the milestone at a technology roundtable themed “Bridging Borders – How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Tech.”
“The last four years have seen us expand Lagos’s fibre infrastructure significantly,” Alake said, citing partnerships with private operators like Main One as critical drivers of growth. The current cable network now spans around 7,864 km, though a gap of about 28,000 km remains to meet the state’s full coverage goal of approximately 36,000 km.
This infrastructure push positions Lagos ahead of Nigeria’s national average—currently only 39% of citizens nationwide live within 5 km of fibre network, compared to 85% in Lagos. Such progress plays a pivotal role in maintaining Lagos’s ranking as Africa’s top startup city and expanding its appeal to global investors.
However, despite the gains, underserved communities still experience inconsistent broadband speeds. Lagos officials say continued investment and strategic public-private collaboration will be key to closing the digital divide and cementing the city’s leadership in Africa’s tech landscape.
