The Lagos State Government has announced its willingness to collaborate with the European Union to foster trade and investment relations between Nigeria and Europe. Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, welcomed the EU Ambassador, Samuela Isopi, on a courtesy visit to the state.
The governor stressed the importance of Lagos State to the Nigerian economy, which accounts for 35 percent of the nation’s GDP, and said that the state would continue to foster an enabling environment for investments to thrive. He described Lagos as the “golden egg” of Nigeria and said it must be preserved for the country’s prosperity.
The governor noted that Lagos accounts for just 0.4 percent of the landmass of Nigeria but has 11 percent of the country’s population. He thanked the EU for supporting the development of the state’s water transportation system and said that expanding rail infrastructure would encourage people to invest in Lagos. He expressed his support for the annual EuroCham event, which helps to showcase the state’s importance as the economic hub of Nigeria.
The EU Ambassador, Isopi, said the delegation’s visit was to seek Lagos State’s support for the annual EuroCham event. The Ambassador said that the event would help showcase the state’s importance as an “economic hub” for Nigeria. The European Business Chamber, EuroCham, based in Lagos, was established in 2018 and represents European businesses operating in Nigeria.
The Chamber’s main objectives are to advocate for the interests of its members, raise awareness of business opportunities in Nigeria, and make recommendations on issues of importance to the Nigerian and European business communities.