Lagos pushes for FDI, plans International Financial Centre
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday intensified efforts to position the state as Africa’s preferred destination for investment, innovation and enterprise, unveiling fresh opportunities across infrastructure, tourism, the creative economy and financial services at the Invest Lagos Summit.
Speaking on the second day of the summit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the true measure of the event’s success would not be the discussions held but the investments, partnerships and projects that emerge from them.
According to the governor, strategic agreements signed during the summit represent practical commitments capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and accelerating economic growth across the state.
“The answer to whether Lagos is Africa’s business gateway is no longer theoretical. It is reflected in the partnerships forged, commitments secured and confidence demonstrated by investors over the past two days,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He further noted that Lagos continues to strengthen its position as a gateway connecting Nigeria to Africa and Africa to global markets through sustained investments in transportation, logistics, energy and digital infrastructure. He cited projects such as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, road expansion initiatives and energy infrastructure development as critical drivers of long-term competitiveness.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed plans to establish the Lagos International Financial Centre, describing the initiative as a major step towards transforming Lagos into a leading global hub for finance, trade and investment.
On the sidelines of the summit, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat identified policy continuity, institutional stability and long-term planning as key factors responsible for sustaining investor confidence in Lagos. He said the state’s development strategy is focused on creating an environment where people can comfortably live, work, invest and raise their families.
Hamzat stressed that attracting both local and international investment depends on maintaining stable governance structures and predictable policies. He added that collaboration among states remains essential, noting that Lagos’ economic growth is closely linked to the development of other states and the overall progress of Nigeria.
