Extensive research of the Nigerian Government in relation to technology, young tech elites and start-ups in Nigeria has led to the discovery that; “The government and tech have had little to zero intersection and collaboration. Also, solutions are mostly commercial enterprises, and not solving social problems.” These were the words of Loretta Adamu, Communications Manager of the newly launched Civic Innovation Lab, Abuja.
The Civic Innovation Lab is a non-profit organization, located at No 50, Osas and Oseji House, Wuse II, Abuja. focused on accelerating and supporting startups in Nigeria which focus on social enterprise and harnessing tech-based social solutions from the populace.
In a bid to identify start-ups with ideas in the social enterprise sphere, and push for these solutions to be adopted by the government, the Civic Innovation Lab is said to have been set up in a comfortable environment with the right facilities.
The Civic Innovation Lab is also said to offer its members; Free workshop and mentorship sessions, Access to a comfortable work space, Free internet, Access to a weekly TGIF networking, DevTalks with speakers from civic societies and the tech community.
Some of the facilities include the civic hall, the Launchpad, the rooftop terrace, an outdoor patio, team rooms, a game room, a board room, a hacker’s room, and the code café.
The Civic Innovation Lab is now open to the public for free for the month of August, although, registration is required to join via this link; http://cilworkfree.herokuapp.com/