Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the state and the federal government will continue to create a business friendly environment for investors to thrive.
Sanwo-Olu spoke as the Chief Host at the International Business Conference & Expo 2024 organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI with the theme ‘Invest in Nigeria’ held in Lagos.
The governor said the state has embarked on projects that will make it easier for businesses to thrive.
“We are building the largest food hub in Africa. We are developing the tourism sector because we want to create an enabling environment. We are collaborating with the federal government to remodel the Wole Soyinka Cultural Centre. We are rolling out initiatives where the young population can grow. Our plan is to become the tech centre of the world,” Sanwo-Olu told the participants.
He promised the investors that the government will continue to create a ‘business friendly environment in Lagos and keep our doors open.
On his part, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, on Tuesday said the federal government is committed to providing an environment that will foster the growth of the maritime sector.
He noted that in order to attract investors, the federal government has given incentives to would-be investors. He mentioned some of the incentives to include exceptions from customs duty so as to promote industrial development, licensing of several export processing terminals, provision of infrastructural support which ensure industries have a transparent framework with which to operate.
According to him, the government has also embarked on port rehabilitation such as the Apapa and Tin-Can ports ‘to enhance port efficiency,’ improvement of road and rails transport system to reduce transportation cost, improvement of maritime security to address maritime crime tax relief and financial support ‘ among others.
Oyetola urged the ‘business community to take advantage of these incentives’ by engaging in capital intensive ventures such as offshore renewable energy.’
“We are working together to increase market value assets. Our goal is to make Nigeria a hub of maritime activities in Africa,” he said.
The Commissioner for. Commerce, Cooperative , Trade and Investment said the ministry has the mandate to attract investors to Lagos.
She said Lagos contributes more than 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and has set up infrastructure to ensure ease of doing business , attract investors and retain them.
The Commissioner assured investors that Lagos is open for business.