As part of efforts to catalyse youth-driven innovation and build Nigeria’s next generation of tech and enterprise leaders, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI), has commissioned the LCCI-BOI Innovation Hub in Lagos.
  
The facility, described as a landmark investment in digital capacity and enterprise development, is designed to address the infrastructure and ecosystem gaps that have long hindered Nigerian startups and young innovators from scaling globally competitive ventures. 

With state-of-the-art amenities including co-working spaces, tech labs, design studios and investor pitch theatres, the hub is equipped to support everything from ideation to incubation and acceleration.
Speaking at the commissioning, LCCI President, Gabriel Idahosa, described the hub as a response to systemic challenges that have limited the potential of Nigeria’s youth, who make up over 60 per cent of the population. 
  
Highlighting the facility’s alignment with Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) and the African Union’s Agenda (AUA) 2063, Idahosa said the hub would serve as a strategic platform for nurturing new business models, creating jobs and fostering enterprise growth across sectors such as agriculture, fintech, health and clean energy. 
 
Idahosa said that within the first 12 months, the hub will begin producing tech experts equipped to work in global outsourcing markets or establish their digital ventures. 
  
“We already have 150-seat capacity tech labs powered by the fastest internet you can find globally. From today, innovators can walk in, plug in, and start creating solutions for Nigeria and the world,” he said.
 
Managing Director, BoI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, represented by the bank’s Chief Economist, Prof. Mutiu Oyinlola, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting innovation-driven growth. He disclosed that the bank has invested in 18 tech hubs across the country, providing digital skills training and incubation support for thousands of young Nigerians. 
 
“This Hub is part of our strategic vision to create inclusive ecosystems that promote innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.
  
According to BoI, the hub is not only critical to Nigeria’s industrial development strategy but also central to achieving long-term competitiveness in the global innovation economy. 
 
“It reflects our belief that youth empowerment is key to national transformation. This is how we translate big ideas into real impact,” he said.
  
Echoing this sentiment, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria Limited, Dapo Otunla, praised the initiative as a catalyst for unlocking the creativity of Nigeria’s youth.

With Nigeria leading the continent in startup funding, attracting over $1.2 billion in venture capital in 2023 alone, the hub is expected to serve as a strategic springboard for new ventures and economic empowerment.