Sanwo-Olu presents approval certificate for FirstBank’s 43-storey headquarters in Lagos

Innocent RaphaelMarch 5, 2025

1 minute read

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, officially presented a Certificate of Approval to the FirstBank Group for the construction of its 43-storey eco-friendly headquarters in Eko Atlantic City. The iconic skyscraper is set to become Nigeria’s tallest building upon completion.

The ceremony, held at the project site, was attended by key government officials, including the Governor’s Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, and the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki. The certificate was handed over to the Chairman of FirstHoldCo, Femi Otedola, and the CEO of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu.

Commending FirstBank for its vision and leadership, Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded the institution’s commitment to strengthening Lagos’ status as a financial hub. He also highlighted the broader significance of Eko Atlantic City as a model for urban development in Africa, attributing its transformation from the former Bar Beach to former Governor Bola Tinubu’s bold initiatives.

“I have seen several investments come to Eko Atlantic City, but I believe the FirstBank headquarters is the investment that will change the future of the city,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.

The Governor also referenced Lagos’ growing prominence as a financial center, noting that the groundbreaking of FirstBank’s headquarters followed the recent launch of the Lagos Financial International Centre.

“We want Lagos to be the centerpiece of finance and commerce in Africa, a model mega city that is safe, secure, and ready to lead in the financial sector,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged other financial institutions to invest in Eko Atlantic City, emphasizing that FirstBank’s bold step should serve as an inspiration. “FirstBank has once again taken the lead. Now, it is time for others to follow. I am ready to facilitate more groundbreaking projects and create an enabling environment for investors,” he added.

The high-profile event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and prominent business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, Gilbert and Roland Chagoury, Deji Adeleke, Mohammed Indimi, and Senator Daisy Danjuma.