The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, on Monday reaffirmed the state’s commitment to deepening economic and trade relations with the Republic of Turkey.

The deputy governor said stronger collaboration would unlock greater investment opportunities and deliver mutual prosperity for both parties.

Mr Hamzat spoke during a courtesy visit to him by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, and some other officials of the Republic of Turkey at Alausa, Ikeja.

He described the longstanding relationship between Lagos and Turkish firms as productive, saying that the time had come for  expansion of the cooperation.

“We have been working with Turkish companies for many years. Several of them are involved in construction projects  and have served as contractors to the Lagos State government.

“This relationship has been beneficial, and we believe the time has come to deepen it,” he said.

The deputy governor highlighted Lagos State’s strategic position as Nigeria’s commercial and financial hub.

He noted that its strong economy, entrepreneurial culture and vibrant population had continued to make Lagos a preferred destination for businesses and investments.

According to him, a cordial relationship between Lagos and Turkey provides a solid foundation for expanding collaboration into other critical sectors.

Mr Hamzat emphasised Turkey’s strategic importance in regional and global trade, expressing confidence that stronger engagement with Turkish investors would boost commerce, accelerate infrastructure development and drive economic growth.

He assured the Turkish delegation of the Lagos State government’s readiness to engage in further discussions to identify new areas of mutual interest and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, Mr Poroy appealed to the Lagos State government to sustain policies that would create an enabling environment for foreign investment.

Mr Poroy also urged the state government to consider Turkish firms for future infrastructure and development projects.

He said the visit was in line with the directive of the Turkish president, following the Nigerian president’s visit to Turkey earlier in the year.

“The visit was aimed at deepening economic relations between both countries; therefore, we want to appeal to the Lagos State government to deepen the relationship with Turkey in areas such as infrastructure and economic development,” he said.

The ambassador said that stronger cooperation between Lagos and Turkey would promote sustainable economic growth, create employment opportunities, and facilitate technology transfer.

He said Turkish companies possessed the expertise, capacity and willingness to partner with the Lagos State government and indigenous businesses in executing critical infrastructure and development projects.

Mr Poroy disclosed that the Turkish delegation would meet with executives of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen existing business partnerships and explore new investment opportunities.

 (NAN)