Sanwo-Olu unveils investment opportunities in Lagos at U.S. Trade Forum

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared Lagos open for business and investment, expressing the state’s readiness to partner with the State of Georgia, USA, in infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology, and the creative industries. He emphasized the need to forge partnerships that will outlive current administrations and impact future generations.

Speaking at the US–Nigeria Policy and Trade Forum, held alongside FNITCC-AFRICON 2025 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Governor Sanwo-Olu called for the creation of a sister-city framework between Atlanta and Lagos. The event was attended by lawmakers from Georgia, members of the Georgia African Legislative Caucus, business leaders, and the Nigerian diaspora.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos and Georgia share significant common ground, highlighting Atlanta as a logistics and tech hub for the American South, while Lagos serves as the gateway to West Africa. He said both cities thrive on trade, innovation, and culture, making collaboration a natural fit.

He commended the Georgia African Legislative Caucus for its efforts in connecting diaspora voices to policymaking and expressed Lagos State’s eagerness to work on legislation that strengthens subnational ties. The Governor described Nigerians in Georgia—entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals—as key bridges of trust, innovation, and development.

Highlighting Lagos’ potential, Sanwo-Olu said the state is home to Africa’s most ambitious megacity project, with over 24 million residents generating more than 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and over 50% of its non-oil trade value. He likened Lagos to Georgia, noting both are leading hubs for logistics, technology, and economic opportunity.

“Just as Georgia leads in logistics and tech, Lagos is the gateway to West Africa, handling over 70% of Nigeria’s seaport cargo. We are also leading sustainability efforts, preparing to issue Africa’s first subnational Green Bond, and advancing clean energy, electric mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu revealed that through partnerships with Afreximbank, MOFI, and global investors, Lagos is unlocking billions of dollars for transformative projects. He described Lagos as an economic powerhouse with a large market, strong infrastructure, and a dynamic youth population driving innovation and growth.

In 2024 alone, Lagos attracted $5.95 billion in foreign capital inflows—over two-thirds of Nigeria’s total. Despite global economic headwinds, Lagos secured $2.56 billion in Q1 2025. With projects like the Blue, Red, and upcoming Green Line metro systems, the Lekki Deep Seaport, and the new Lagos International Financial Centre, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is positioning itself as a global city and a leader in Africa’s digital and economic future.