The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council, has disbursed N900 million in grants to 80 researchers and 75 startups as part of its commitment to fostering research and innovation. This announcement was made on Wednesday by Tunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, during the ongoing annual ministerial press briefing marking the third year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second term.
According to the 2026 grant cycle, the council processed over 240 applications. Alake also disclosed that 6.46 million residents have been enrolled in the Lagos Identity Card Project, with 4.058 million adults and 2.407 million children registered.
Alake emphasized the importance of the Lagos Identity Card Project, describing it as a crucial tool for governance and a central component of the THEMES agenda. The initiative aims to improve governance efficiency and service delivery for the benefit of Lagos residents. He stated, "The agency operates an open framework that allows multiple parties to participate in the operation and benefits of the exercise as a means to create more value for the state government and businesses within the state while helping to improve the potential opportunities and uses for the new Lagos State residents card."
The commissioner further explained that the framework ensures inclusive participation and integration of multiple government agents under a unified and efficient approach. This enables different agencies and their partners to operate independently while leveraging central infrastructure for data, partnerships, and information.
