orldStage Newsonline– The Lagos State Government has urged investors to take over some state assets.
This, it said, was to enable the government focus more on developing infrastructures and other capital projects, thereby attracting more private investors.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the call during a courtesy visit by Leadership of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at Osborne-Ikoyi, Lagos on Tuesday.
According to the governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos is an investments destination in Nigeria and Africa.
” l assure you that the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that the government understood that the private sector is the major driver of any nation or state economy and as such, it remained the responsibility of government to make them thrive.
Recounting some of the efforts of the government in attracting investors, the governor stressed that it would be difficult for any government to do everything on its own.
He cited the challenges of electricity, noting that it was Lagos that originated the electricity law which allowed the sub-sovereign to generate power and manage the distribution.
He disclosed that Lagos state had almost completed the power generation process, while adding that there was need for the government to collaborate with the DISCOS so that they did not become dis-selective to other investors.
On entertainment, he explained that the government was planning to build Eko Film City which would work in partnership with investors.
“There is land provided by the government and it is open to investors to key into the components they want.
“In technology, Lagos is currently the largest startup capital in Africa and the government has been able to take about 23 startups through the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, the LCCI President commended the state government for its support and for empowering Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
According to him, this is why we encourage investors that Lagos should be their hub in West and Central Africa for business.
The LCCI President, however, requested for the need to strengthen the relationship with the state government in specific areas.
He said that such areas included technology, tourism, creative industry and electricity so as to enable the chamber to collaboratively build the Lagos Universal Power Access Network in the nearest future.
“We applaud your commitment in promoting private enterprises and investment attractions to the state, the annual sponsorships of large numbers of SMEs are encouraging.
“We are highly encouraged by the fact that it is an opportunity to showcase different companies to the international audience.”
