World Economic Forum To Set Up Sub-Saharan Centre In Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, said the state would always be open to partnerships and therefore urged investors to take advantage of the market that Lagos represents.
He described Lagos as the best place to do business, noting that his administration, having attracted a lot of significant investments into the state, would continue to make Lagos attractive for investors.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at Alausa, Ikeja, during a courtesy visit by the African Delegation from World Economic Forum (WEF).
The delegation was represented by the Head of Regional Agenda Africa of WEF, Chido Munyati, and the Community Lead, African Regional Agenda, Mrs. Abir Ibrahim.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube, said Lagos understands its role not only for development but also as a national asset.
He said: “To lift Lagos requires a combination of partnerships. The responsibility to lift Lagos and Nigeria requires a significant amount of partnerships. So, we welcome the partnership you offer from the World Economic Forum.
“In our 30 years development plan in Lagos, we prioritise sectors that we want to focus on and we want people to participate wherever they are and take advantage of the market that Lagos represents.
“We need a lot of partners that can invest in good projects. Lagos is an investment destination. We have attracted a lot of significant investments into Lagos.”
Also at the event, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, commended the Delegation for seeking a partnership with the state government. He said: “We thank the World Economic Forum for the invite to share this opportunity with us and I want to confirm to you that you are in the right place. The way we do things in Lagos is structured around partnership. Make no mistake in terms of where to situate your office in Nigeria, it has to be Lagos; this is where business, growth and economic development are.”
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, said Lagos was in dire need of partnerships from the private sector because the government cannot do it all.
Speaking earlier, Munyati said they were offering partnerships with Lagos State government in urban regeneration, housing, transport and mobilising capital for investments in Lagos.
He also expressed the WEF’s request to set up its sub-Saharan centre in Lagos since Lagos is the tech centre in Africa.
