Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding bilateral relations with the Netherlands.

Mr Sanwo-Olu spoke during a courtesy visit of the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, and his contemporary Minister of Migration, Eric van der Burg, to Alausa on Tuesday.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, said the expanded relations would ensure economic and social development and increase foreign investment.

According to him, Nigeria has a long history of cooperation with the Netherlands.

“Therefore, as a state, we hope to extend our relationship to other parts of the sector like technology, healthcare, circular economy, energy and especially agriculture, to ensure food security.

“We are willing to implement some of the lessons we have learnt from the Netherlands, particularly to enhance food production and storage, among others,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Van Leeuwen said the Netherlands recognised Lagos State as the commercial thriving hub of Nigeria.

“We will continue to bring economic cooperation and high-level visits and trade missions to the centre of excellence,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Burg noted that the Netherlands was committed to its migration partnership with Nigeria based on mutual priorities.

He said the Netherlands would also ensure sustainable reintegration and opportunities for the youth.

“The Netherlands is committed to working closely with Lagos State, especially within the challenging field of migrant smuggling and human trafficking,” he said.

The minister said Nigeria’s population could double within 25 to 30 years.

He said his country would work with the Lagos State government to create opportunities.

Mr Burg revealed they planned to create at least 15,000 jobs in the next four years through various incubation and vocational programmes. 

(NAN)