The Lagos State government has assured of its efforts in pursuing initiatives that seek to improve the ease of doing business with a view attracting more investors.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,who spoke during the opening ceremony of the 2022 European Union-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos, with the theme: “Nigeria and the New Economy”, said the state remains a key partner and ally of the European Union considering its status as a regional commercial, financial and industrial hub, as well as its strategic role in facilitating the goals and objectives of the business forum, adding that: “This should be strengthened as we approach Africa as one large Free Trade Zone.”
He said that the eighth edition of the forum, which was established to provide a platform for European and Nigerian businesses to engage with policy-makers with the aim of improving the business environment and addressing issues constituting barriers to inflow of investments, has, no doubt helped in deepening trade relations between Nigerian and Europe.
He emphasized the need for mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and Europe to be taken to a higher pedestal given the emerging dynamics in the global economy driven by the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and Russia invasion of Ukraine.
He added that the impact of the decisions and recommendations made at this forum can be measured in the sustained status of Nigeria as Europe’s major trading partner in Africa.
According to the governor, the forum would focus on three key sectors, including backward integration policy of the government, opportunities to increase gas exports to Europe and new initiatives in the agriculture sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the state will continue to view ourselves as a strategic national asset, carrying the responsibility for not just being an epicenter in times of national crisis but also an economic springboard in leading Nigeria to a place of social and economic prosperity.
