The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday urged the Japanese government to partner with the state on transportation and youth capacity building to boost economic growth. 

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call during a courtesy visit by Takahashi Misako, Japan’s assistant minister and director-general, First African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the state government in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said strategic collaboration in mass transit and human capital development would significantly improve mobility and empower the state’s large youth population. 

Mr Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos, with an estimated population of about 30 million, remained Nigeria’s economic hub, accounting for a significant percentage of business activities in the country.

He stressed the need for partnerships to develop electric-powered mass transit systems, particularly high-capacity buses, to address the state’s transportation challenges.

“We are interested in what we can do together in terms of electric vehicles, especially buses. Mass transit is very important for us as we move millions of people daily,” he said. 

The governor also emphasised the state government’s focus on youth development, noting that about 65 per cent of Lagos residents were between the ages of 18 and 35. 

According to him, the state is investing in building human capital through training in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics. 

“It is important that we collaborate to train our young people and share knowledge between Japan and Lagos to build the needed skills for the future,” he said. 

Mr Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos position as Nigeria’s cultural capital, noting opportunities for cultural exchange, especially in music and creative industries. 

He called for stronger engagement with Lagos by Japanese institutions and businesses to maximise impact, given the state’s strategic economic importance. 

In her remarks, Ms Misako described Lagos as a vibrant and rapidly developing city, expressing admiration for the technological capacity and enthusiasm of Nigerian youths.

She said her visit to the University of Lagos exposed her to innovative projects, including artificial intelligence laboratories and student-led tech initiatives. 

“I was impressed by the level of excellence and the eagerness of young Nigerian students to learn and innovate,” she said. 

Ms Misako noted that Japan saw strong potential for collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in technology transfer and skills development. 

She disclosed that about 57 major Japanese companies were currently operating in Lagos, spanning sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction and logistics. 

According to her, companies such as Ajinomoto, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Honda have established a manufacturing presence in the state, while others like Mitsubishi are active in trade and investment. 

She added that the Japan-Nigeria Business Facilitation Council meeting scheduled for October in Lagos would further strengthen economic ties between both countries. 

Ms Misako also highlighted ongoing Japanese government-supported projects in Lagos, including power transmission upgrades and support for Nigeria’s disease control laboratories. 

She said the initiatives were part of Japan’s commitment to deepen bilateral relations and support development efforts in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

 (NAN)