Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has advocated deeper trade and investment ties with the Republic of Poland, describing the two economies as natural partners united by their ambitions for growth and prosperity.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call at the inaugural Polish-Nigerian Economic Forum, on Thursday at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The forum was organised by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Nigeria.

The governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Mr Sanwo-Olu noted that strengthening economic ties with Poland would position Lagos as a globally competitive hub for investment, trade, and innovation.

He said, “We are committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, driven by transparency, security, infrastructure, and the sheer dynamism of our people. As a government, we reaffirm our readiness to welcome investors, innovators, and partners from Poland to explore the limitless opportunities our state offers.’’

Mr Sanwo-Olu highlighted Poland’s remarkable transformation as one of Europe’s most dynamic economies.

According to him, Lagos recognises and appreciates the journey and convinced that there is much to learn, share, and build together.

The governor outlined the key areas of potential collaboration between Lagos and Poland to include infrastructure and urban development.

Others are energy and clean technology; digital economy and cybersecurity; transport and logistics; healthcare and medical equipment; as well as agriculture and food processing.

Mr Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos, with a population of over 22 million people, contributed more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and served as the principal gateway to West Africa.

He noted that the administration was implementing the ‘THEMES Plus Agenda,’ to drive development in infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, housing, healthcare, digitisation of government services, and the creative economy.

He added that Lagos was building a framework for lasting prosperity and inclusive growth.

He described the forum as timely, strategic, and aligned with the shared aspirations of Nigeria and Poland for sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity.

“This forum is a bridge between Lagos, the heartbeat of Africa’s economy, and Poland, a rising force in Europe. Together, we can build enduring partnerships that will not only strengthen economic ties between our nations but also chart a new course of prosperity for our people,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Nigeria, Michal Cygan, said that the forum showcased opportunities for Nigeria and Poland to benefit from complementary strengths across trade, investment, innovation, and human capital development.

According to him, it marks a new chapter of strengthened partnership and shared prosperity.

He noted that Nigeria’s vast potential, particularly its vibrant youth population and thriving technology sector, was a critical area for stronger collaboration.

He stated, “With over 4,000 Nigerian students currently studying in Poland, people-to-people ties is the bedrock of future bilateral relations.”

Earlier, Head, Foreign Trade Office in Lagos, Justyna Sitarska, said that Nigeria is an important economic partner for Poland.

According to her, Poland is ready and willing to partner with Nigeria.

Ms Sitarska highlighted that only one per cent of all Polish exports currently reach Africa, an amount she considered low and insufficient for the continent given Poland’s economic strength.

She added that the statistic underscored the vast potential and readiness for deeper economic cooperation between Poland and Africa, particularly Nigeria.

(NAN)