Lagos is investors’ delight — Sanwo-Olu tells Harvard students
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described Lagos as an investor’s haven, citing its GDP of $259 billion, a population of 25 million, four seaports, and business-friendly government policies.
He made this known on Wednesday while speaking as a guest lecturer at Harvard University in Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie’s course, Understanding Africa: Business, Entrepreneurship, Political Economy and the Complexities of a Continent.
Sanwo-Olu shared Lagos’ bold development vision and highlighted progress in transportation, housing, innovation, and industrial growth. Students applauded as he spoke about the Blue Line, Africa’s first intra-city electric rail line, which has transported over two million passengers—an average of 42,000 commuters daily. He added that the Red Line is now operational.
“We are building a new airport along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, and work is about to begin on the Green Line, which will connect that axis to Lagos Island,” the governor said.
He also spoke about strides in education: “Two new universities have been established, and a third—a University of Medical Sciences—is in the pipeline to address the shortage of healthcare personnel.”
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as one of Nigeria’s most tech-driven states. “We are working to create a structured calendar for tourism and entertainment,” he told the students, who hailed from across the globe.
The governor also cited achievements in infrastructure and health. “Over 1,000 roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, and more than 3,000 housing units have been delivered to ease housing challenges,” he said. He added that more CNG-powered buses are being introduced to improve public transportation and support clean energy initiatives.
