Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday assured the business community of his administration’s commitment to using technology and modern work ethics to enhance productivity and economic growth in the state.
The governor stated this at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, which was held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos remains a city where innovation and resilience meet, adding that the state is committed to building a digital space that will galvanise economic development at all levels.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the event theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” aligns with Lagos State’s vision to foster partnerships, drive innovation, and build an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.
“At the start of our administration, we recognised the privilege and responsibility of leading a state with such vibrancy—a state of over 20 million people, a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, and Africa’s fifth-largest economy. Guided by the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, we set out to transform Lagos into a true megacity that competes globally and nurtures an ecosystem for growth and prosperity.”
“By advancing partnerships with tech hubs, offering incentives for digital startups, and fostering a tech-driven environment, we are positioning Lagos as a preferred destination for innovative solutions. Recognising our strategic role within Africa, we have also established the Lagos State Technical Working Group on AfCFTA to prepare our businesses to leverage the trade benefits within Africa.”
“Sustainability remains central to our growth strategy, and we are taking decisive steps toward becoming a cleaner, greener Lagos. Through initiatives prioritising renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly policies, we create a sustainable city that balances economic opportunities with environmental stewardship, benefiting current and future generations,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu affirmed that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of any vibrant economy, and Lagos is no exception, as it is working assiduously through different agencies to support tech startups and other skills to enable SMEs to thrive in both local and global markets.
In her address, the state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the fair underscored the state government’s commitment to equipping and enhancing business partnerships with the private sector, thereby leveraging technology to position Lagos as a gateway to Nigerian and African Markets.
The Commissioner said the administration has been deliberate in implementing policies that streamline the regulatory framework, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance transparency. Over the years, this has translated to a more efficient business environment where enterprises, both large and small, can thrive.
