Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has pledged to collaborate with investors, multinationals, agencies, foundations, and innovation hubs to build a globally respected 21st-century economy.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, made this known on Wednesday at the second edition of the Lagos Investment Summit.

The three-day summit is with the theme: ‘Scaling Action: Bold Solutions Towards Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.’

The governor unveiled the state’s 30-year growth agenda and a deal book containing de-risked, investment-ready projects in key economic sectors.

He outlined a strategic blueprint based on infrastructure growth, energy independence, human capital, economic diversification, and governance reforms.

“The Lagos of today is dynamic and determined. But Lagos of 2052 must be strategically governed, deliberately shaped, and courageously built,” the governor said.

With over 25 million people, he said Lagos remains Nigeria’s economic heartbeat and a vital launchpad for West Africa’s innovation and ambition.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the state’s reforms aim to make Lagos Africa’s most investor-friendly destination through unified and consistent policy initiatives. 

He noted that the Lagos State Investment Promotion Agency (LIPA) has been strengthened to serve as a one-stop investment and post-investment support hub.

Through digital tools, land reforms, tax simplification, and PPP frameworks, Lagos is removing red tape to ease investor engagement.

These efforts, he added, are creating a smooth interface between the government and potential investors.

“In this spirit, we present the Lagos Investment Deal Book, featuring vetted, de-risked projects ready for investment across diverse sectors,” he said.

Each project listed is commercially viable, aligned with policy priorities, and ready for implementation.

The summit will also host deal rooms to connect project owners, financiers, development institutions, and government agencies.

“Lagos is open for business. We will not wait for the future—we are building it with resolve, clarity, and courage,” Mr Sanwo-Olu stated.

Folashade Ambrose, commissioner for commerce, cooperatives, trade and investment, urged global investors to participate in Lagos’ transformation.

She said the summit marks a shift from concepts to action and from isolated deals to systemic investment alignment.

Mrs Ambrose described Lagos as Africa’s commercial heartbeat and a top destination for industrial and economic innovation.

Every reform in the state, she said, is aligned with pillars promoting scale, quality, inclusion, and sustainability.

“This summit is a crucial step towards achieving the ambitious Lagos 2052 vision,” she said.

Mrs Ambrose added that tax harmonisation, land digitisation, and business-friendly reforms show Lagos’ pro-investor, agile governance approach.

She reaffirmed her ministry’s readiness to support investors through every stage of their journey in Lagos. 

The commissioner said LIPA will ensure aftercare services, regulatory support, and streamlined navigation of the state’s investment landscape. 

(NAN)