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Vice President Kashim Shettima, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele on Monday highlighted investment opportunities in Lagos and submitted that the state remains a secured investors haven.
They spoke at the opening of the third edition of Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 themed “Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa, Powering Africa’s Next Era of Trade, Talent and Global Economic Leadership,” brought together government officials, investors, business leaders and development partners to explore investment opportunities and strategies for accelerating economic growth.
The Vice President Shettima, who was the keynote speakers at the evnt, said Lagos State is increasingly emerging as Africa’s gateway to global wealth, as the continent intensifies efforts to attract a larger share of international investment and trade opportunities.
He noted that Lagos continues to stand out as a prime destination for business expansion, innovation, and long-term economic growth across Africa.
Describing Lagos as the gateway to Africa’s economic future and a strategic hub for global investors, Shettima said: “Nigeria possesses the demographic strength, entrepreneurial talent, and economic potential to rank among the world’s largest economies by 2050, provided the country continues to invest in innovation, leadership and infrastructure.
“Lagos has maintained its position as Africa’s commercial nerve centre through deliberate policies, strong institutions and a business-friendly environment that continues to attract multinational corporations and foreign investments. Lagos contributes over 30 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
The vice president also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with states and the private sector to improve infrastructure, expand trade opportunities, and strengthen the ease of doing business across the country.
In his speech, Governor Sanwo-Olu pointed out that Lagos is Africa’s foremost investment gateway, offering unparalleled opportunities for trade, innovation, infrastructure development and economic expansion across the continent.
The governor said Lagos, with over 25 million residents and a rapidly-expanding economy, remained strategically positioned to leverage opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and global markets.
According to him, sustained investments in transport, technology, agriculture and human capital development have strengthened Lagos’s competitiveness, while major infrastructure projects continue to improve connectivity, productivity and investment attractiveness.
He highlighted achievements including the Blue and Red Rail Lines, ongoing work on Green Line, digital infrastructure expansion and efforts to establish Lagos, as Africa’s leading financial hub.
“Our ambition is to build a human-centred global city where innovation thrives, businesses flourish and opportunities abound for young people seeking to contribute meaningfully to economic development,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said that Lagos was attracting increasing support from development finance institutions, multilateral organisations and private investors.
He added that strategic partnerships remained critical to achieving long-term economic transformation goals.
Sanwo-Olu said that success would be measured by investments secured, jobs created and lives improved, stressing that the summit was designed to generate tangible outcomes beyond discussions and declarations.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, threw more light on the ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s investment climate.
Oyedele said recent fiscal and tax policy initiatives were enhancing investor confidence and opening up new opportunities for sub-national economic growth.
Earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described Lagos as Africa’s most dynamic commercial hub and Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
Ambrose-Medebem said the summit had evolved into one of Africa’s foremost sub-national investment platforms, connecting investors with opportunities spanning infrastructure, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, agriculture and logistics sectors.
She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining an investor-friendly environment through policy reforms, public-private partnerships and strategic infrastructure investments designed to promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
“Lagos is open for business, partnerships and investments. Opportunities, talents, leadership and market are here to support transformative ventures and shared prosperity,” Ambrose-Medebem said.
Governors at the summit include, Dr Alex Otti of Abia, Sen. Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Dr Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Mr. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state.
