Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
Those who intend to invest or set up businesses in Lagos State have been assured ease access to funds. This assurance was given by the state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the closing ceremony of the 2019 edition of Lagos International Trade Fair on Sunday.
The Governor, who was at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), venue of the fair last Sunday, said his administration will continue to work hard to make the metropolis the preferred destination of choice for investment and commercial activities.
According to him, Lagos remains the largest market in Africa for any discerning investor being the commercial, industrial and financial hub of Nigeria and the economic gateway of Sub-Saharan Africa boasting of a population of 22 million people.
“To underscore the State’s attraction as the preferred investment destination, financial closure worth $629million for the development of the Lekki Deep Seaport was secured about two weeks ago. This move which, no doubt, would catalyse the speedy delivery of the Port project is a manifestation of the confidence of investors in Lagos State,” he said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu expressed his determination to preserve the legacies of his predecessors by supporting the growth of the local economy, improving the Ease of Doing Business, providing easy access to finance, repositioning the Public Service to better support businesses and accelerating infrastructure interventions.
“My charter is to see that Lagos State continually maintains her pride of place as the numero uno Nigerian State and the land of golden opportunities for all and sundry within and outside Nigeria,” the Governor stated.
He empathised with the exhibitors at the fair for the inconveniences of erecting and dismantling their stalls every year, revealing that government is not unmindful of the urgent need for a permanent ultra-modern trade fair and exhibition complex.
“We are currently exploring all avenues towards providing this structure in the state for the use of our teeming businesses”, the Governor assured.
The Governor also promised to continue harnessing public-private machinery in developing new business opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, renewable power, oil and gas, transportation, as well as affordable housing development to mention but a few.
Calling on discerning investors to partner with his government in creating value and enhancing business prosperity in Lagos, Mr Sanwo-Olu maintained that the Lekki Free Zone offers unique benefits and incentives to local and foreign investors.
He also applauded the President of LCCI, Mr Babatunde Ruwase, and council members for an impressive and successful trade fair which as well attended despite the socio-economic climate occasioned by the current border closure.
