MainOne, provider of innovative telecom services and network solutions has launched its “Digital Lagos: Broadband for All” campaign initiative in Lagos, Nigeria, to enable the digitization of the Lagos state.
According to MainOne, the proposed investment will “enable the digitization of Lagos State, accelerate job creation and economic growth, and support the future of Lagos as a 21st century Mega-City.”
Speaking at the campaign launch, Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, said the company was excited with the collaboration with the Lagos State Government to build Digital Lagos.
“MainOne is pleased to have the opportunity to present its plan for Digital Lagos, a proven path to ubiquitous broadband connectivity. This plan will involve the investment by MainOne of over N25 billion over the next 2-3 years to develop critical fiber optic infrastructure to enable broadband services across Lagos state,” she said.
Opeke mentioned that MainOne had pioneered investments in critical internet-enabling infrastructure across West Africa, Nigeria, and Lagos.
To date, the company has invested over N120 billion funded by leading African banks and has proven its capabilities in expanding and densifying localized fiber networks in neighboring Ogun and Edo States by deploying almost 1,000kms of fiber in partnership with Facebook to expand broadband access and connect government institutions and other areas of interest.
HIP Consult, a Washington DC based, independent, management consulting firm with specialization in ICT in emerging markets worked with MainOne in developing a concept paper and implementation plan for Digital Lagos.
In a presentation at the campaign launch, Mr. Judah Levine, CEO HIP Consult touched on the research done for Digital Lagos, its implementation plans and subsequent impact in Lagos State.
The company reported that “MainOne’s Digital Lagos Plan will deploy world-class, open-access fiber optic networks through all LGAs and business districts in the State, including the fast-growing population centers of Amuwo Odofin, Ikorodu and Epe. The resulting network would provide connectivity to critical Lagos state institutions and can easily be extended to other locations.”
MainOne’s plan for a Digital Lagos is inspired by the vision of Lagos State’s Governor-Elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who stated recently that under his government, “Technology will improve education, government efficiency, give entrepreneurs and SMEs the opportunity to thrive, create more jobs and enhance public-private sector partnerships.”
Opeke said, as the licenced InfraCo for Lagos zone, the resulting network to be built by MainOne would provide essential connectivity to critical State institutions, cover over 300 government agencies, up to 10,000 State CCTV locations, Telecom operators and ISPs, public Wi-Fi hotspots, Smart City components / IOT devices, in addition to Enterprises.
In Lagos, MainOne’s existing 700-kilometer network currently covers major population centers and Yaba and provides connectivity for the majority of the Yabacon ecosystem.
The company has connected startups like Andela, ccHub, Paga, and Flutterwave and others that have raised up to USD500million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria.
