Lagos Governor Reassures Investors More Business-Friendly Policies

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reassured investors of his administration’s determination to make the aquatic city more business-friendly.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave this reassurance on Sunday when he declared the 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) closed.

Speaking through his deputy, Mr Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor said efforts are being made to ensure that policies of the state government will not chase away investments from the metropolis as the state aims to be Africa’s model city by 2025.

Recall that the state government has been criticised in the past for formulating policies that are against the progress of investors.

A few years ago, the ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles in the state wrecked Gogada and others and those who shifted to logistics business have been complaining of double taxation by the state and local governments.

But Mr Sanwo-Olu said his administration will do everything within its power to improve the business environment and make it more attractive to investors.

“We have also not relented in our efforts in the areas of ensuring improved power supply and enhanced internet connectivity which is a major component of the smart city project.

“I will not fail to mention the massive investment in stepping up the capacity of our security architecture which has ensured that Lagos State remains one of the safest states in Nigeria.

“We shall continue to place a high priority on key infrastructure that would make our state safe, secure, functional and productive as an impetus towards achieving sustainable economic growth through highly-motivated and vibrant private-sector participation,” the Governor stated.

The 2021 trade fair, its 35th edition, commenced on Friday, November 5 and was themed Connecting Businesses, Creating Value.

The event, put together by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), had about 1,500 exhibitors from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt and China.

President of the LCCI, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, said she was impressed with the level of participation this year as well as the support of the government.