In 2020, ride-hailing startups in Lagos, Nigeria, were dealt a huge blow – the Lagos State government had placed a ban on all motorcycles in the state. Consequently, these startups saw operations halted, and a few pivoted to other sectors to stay afloat. Interestingly, only a few days before the announcement, some members of the ride-hailing sector were seen with government officials. The relationship between Nigerian startups and regulators has been bumpy, with startups constantly being thrown regulatory curveballs. With this in mind, a bill – the Nigerian Startup Bill – was created to create an enabling environment for startups. On today's podcast, we had Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President and Timi Olagunju, tech lawyer and policy analyst, join our reporters to discuss the bill and what it portends for Nigerian startups. To advertise or promote your brand, visit this link or send an email to business@techpoint.africa Timestamps 02:01 - Did the Nigerian House of Reps truly pass the Startup Bill 03:43 - What the Startup Bill is and why you should care 04:41 - How would it create a better environment? 15:49 - Implementing the Bill 21:29 - Getting [people] involved 34:40 - Critiquing and improving on the Bill 50:45 - Making state adoption attractive 55:14 - How the Bill was developed Useful links Startup Acts: Can the decade’s sexiest law save Nigeria’s thriving but uncertain startup ecosystem? Visit the Nigeria Startup Bill website for more context This episode was produced by Ogheneruemu Oneyibo and edited by Muyiwa Matuluko Email us your feedback at podcast@techpoint.africa. Visit www.techpoint.africa for more stories.