By DailyAgent Correspondent | Abuja, Nigeria
Daisi Omokungbe, the founder of StackLabs Innovation Ltd/Gte, has called for a strategic shift in Abuja’s identity, urging the nation’s capital to evolve from a regulatory hub into a vibrant center for technology innovation and startup development.
Speaking at the launch and inaugural meeting of the Abuja Innovation Ecosystem Connect (AIEC) held on July 30, 2026, Omokungbe emphasized that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) possesses the requisite talent and strategic advantages to support innovation-driven enterprises. However, he noted that the city currently lacks a coordinated ecosystem capable of effectively connecting young talent with essential skills, capital, and supportive policy frameworks.
Bridging the Gap: Abuja vs. Lagos
Omokungbe highlighted findings indicating that while Lagos has successfully emerged as a premier innovation ecosystem, Abuja has yet to establish a comparable structure to sustain founders and tech-driven businesses.
The newly launched AIEC initiative aims to bridge this gap by creating a recurring platform where innovators, ecosystem builders, investors, and policymakers can engage to accelerate enterprise development across the FCT.
“Abuja is a very good place where innovation can thrive and where businesses can develop,” Omokungbe stated. “Our goal is not to compete with Lagos, but to open Nigeria up for more investment and opportunities for young people. By enhancing this environment, we create more jobs, develop more solutions, and ultimately help the government through increased tax revenue.”
Leveraging Regulatory Proximity
A central theme of Omokungbe’s address was the need for Abuja to move beyond its reputation as a “regulatory community”. He argued that being home to major regulatory commissions is a unique advantage that local innovators must leverage to foster a solutions-oriented community.
“We have a lot of young people here in the FCT who want to build products and new enterprises that will make Nigeria better,” he added.
“For us, being close to these regulatory bodies is an advantage that residents need to capitalize on.”
The Need for Intentional Collaboration
Echoing these sentiments, Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), cautioned that proximity to power does not automatically translate into functional partnerships. Dirisu, represented by postdoctoral fellow Aderonke Komolafe, observed that many innovators in Abuja remain disconnected despite addressing similar challenges.
“It is not that Abuja lacks talent or ambition,” Dirisu remarked.
“The city has policymakers, regulators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and development partners. What is missing is the collaboration that connects these actors and transforms the city into a cohesive, strong innovation ecosystem.”
The launch of these innovation hubs is expected to provide the necessary platforms where entrepreneurs with viable solutions can directly engage with the government, investors, and development partners needed to scale their ideas.
