Lagos Govt To Strengthen Bilateral Relations With Sweden

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the state government would strengthen its bilateral relationship with Sweden in the areas of information technology, cyber-security and infrastructure for the benefit of residents of the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during a courtesy visit by the Crown Princess of Sweden and Duchess of Vastergotland, Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice Desiree, and her entourage at the Lagos House, Marina.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hazmat, said Lagos, as the heartbeat of the country, is essential to Nigeria and important to Africa.

He expressed optimism that the stakeholders meeting of the Swedish representative with the Business community in Lagos would birth more development opportunities for mutual benefits.

“We need a lot of technology. We are building fibre optics of about 6,800 kilometres across our state. We’ve finished the first phase, about 3,500 kilometres, to increase the bandwidth penetration in our state. Interestingly, a lot of companies are coming. Google is building data centres, and other companies are coming. About four data centres are being built now in Lagos.

“So, for IT and other related infrastructure, Lagos is the place. With a population of about 22 million, about twice the size of Sweden, the opportunity is wide, and we would like to engage,” he said.

In a brief remark earlier, Princess Desiree commended the Lagos State government for being the economic backbone of Nigeria due to its huge business potential.

“We are very excited to be here and to see what the Swedish-Nigerian relationship can develop into. We see vast areas of potential for further growth and cooperation. We are very happy to be here with the Swedish companies already present in Nigeria,” she said.

Speaking with journalists, the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing within the Government of Sweden, Mr Andreas Carlson, said the Crown Princess’ visit to Lagos was to build stronger ties for a green economy, digital innovations and the exchange of ideas between Lagos and Sweden for better development.

He disclosed that a Sweden Trade Office, which is the first in Nigeria, would be inaugurated in Lagos by Crown Princess Alice Desiree.