Hamzat Woos Global Investors, Seeks Partnerships To Drive Lagos Infrastructure Growth
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Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, has called on investors, sovereign wealth funds, development finance institutions, multilateral organizations, infrastructure developers, and industry leaders to partner with Lagos in delivering world-class infrastructure, industrial growth, and sustainable urban development.
Hamzat made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 themed: “Lagos – The Business Gateway to Africa” held at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he outlined Lagos State’s vision to become Africa’s premier industrial and investment destination through strategic planning, infrastructure expansion, and private sector collaboration.
According to him, building a globally competitive city requires strong collaboration between government and private capital, and the state’s role is to provide long-term planning, policy stability, and investment-friendly structures that attract sustainable financing.
“Our ambition is clear: Lagos intends to be the 21st-century industrial hub of Africa and the city against which subnational industrialization on the continent will be measured. Lagos is open. Build with us. Finance with us. Partner with us. Scale with us.
“The city that can absorb your ambition is here, and it is ready. Lagos is implementing a long-term development agenda anchored in the Lagos State Development Plan 2022–2052, the THEMES+ Agenda, and the Lagos State Industrial Policy 2025–2030, all designed to position the state for sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness,” he said.
According to him, Lagos, with a population exceeding 25 million people and contributing approximately 30 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, remains uniquely positioned to drive Africa’s next phase of economic growth.
While highlighting different projects embarked on by the government, such as Lekki Deep Sea, Expansion of roads, Lagos State Medical Industrial and Innovation Zone (LASMIZ among others, the Deputy Governor stated that Lagos is positioning itself to maximize opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as the most significant economic reform initiative on the continent in recent history.
“The city that builds a productive base, maintains high standards, and operates efficiently at scale will emerge as a leader under AfCFTA. Lagos is determined to be that city,” Hamzat stated.
Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, earlier in her welcome address, described the Summit as a major platform for translating government policies into bankable opportunities capable of attracting investment and driving sustainable economic growth.
According to her, the summit attracted over 300 international delegates and generated significant interest from investors, development partners, and business leaders.
She said the high level of participation, vibrant deal room engagements and positive feedback from stakeholders demonstrated growing confidence in Lagos as Africa’s gateway for business and investment.
She further disclosed that discussions arising from the summit are already progressing toward concrete outcomes, particularly in strategic sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, technology, and agribusiness.
Among the key projects being promoted are the Lagos Medical Innovation and Industrial Zone, investment opportunities within the Lekki Economic Zone, and a proposed $20 billion vehicle manufacturing plant.
She, therefore, assured investors that the state would sustain engagement through its investment promotion platform and structured public-private partnership framework, emphasizing that the success of the summit would ultimately be measured by the quality and volume of investments, partnerships and deals secured in the months ahead.
