The Lagos State government has commenced the second phase of its 3,300km metro fibre project aimed at fully digitising government services and building a safe and digitalised city.

The commissioner, Lagos State ministry of innovatìon, science and technology (LAMIST), Olatunbosun Alake, made this known on Friday at the annual ministerial press briefing in Lagos.

Mr Alake said that the project, which is an extension of the initial 2,700km metro fibre project, sought to improve internet connectivity and access to digital services across the state.

“The metro fibre project has had a significant impact on internet connectivity in the state, with over one million additional internet subscribers emerging between 2023 and 2025.

“The project has also enabled major players in the telecommunications industry to expand their infrastructure to previously underserved areas,’’ he said.

The commissioner also highlighted the Safe City Project, which used intelligent transport systems to enforce traffic rules in designated areas.

According to him, the project is being implemented in conjunction with the ministry of transportation.

Mr Alake said it had resulted in the installation of automatic number plate recognition cameras and intelligent video surveillance cameras in areas such as Alapere and Allen Avenue.

“Furthermore, the state government is implementing an Enterprise Architecture project, aimed at digitising government services and improving efficiency in service delivery.

“The project involves the development of digital frontfacing platforms for 40 agencies, as well as the implementation of an Oracle ERP system to manage finances and treasury,’’ Alake explained.

He noted that government had also launched a digital service platform, which provided citizens with access to a range of government services online.

The commissioner said that the platform could offer services such as advertisement, agriculture, education, and physical planning.

According to him, additionally, the government plans to release artificial intelligence guidelines for the state, aimed at ensuring the safe development and deployment of AI tools.

Mr Alake said that the guidelines would provide a self assessment framework for companies developing AI platforms, and would focus on issues such as data protection, diversity and fairness.

He said that LAMIST intended to infuse Artificial Intelligence into its digital platforms, starting with AI chatbots to improve service delivery and educate the government on how to serve citizens better.

Mr Alake added that a research and development council would also be established to drive AI research and development in the state.

“It is believed that these initiatives will improve the lives of citizens, increase efficiency in government service delivery and make Lagos a model state for innovation and technology,” he said.

LAMIST’s mission is to employ science and technology in improving the quality of life of Lagos residents through strategic utilisation of available resources.

It also aims at transforming Lagos to international standard and its vision is to make Lagos a model state through innovative application of science and technology. 

(NAN)