Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, reiterated the state government’s commitment to further develop relationships and build partnerships with the Norwegian government and companies in the areas of energy, infrastructure, and technology to create a thriving economy. Governor Sanwo-Olu made this statement when he received the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, and her entourage on a courtesy visit to the Lagos House, Marina.
The Governor stated that Lagos is open to investments, especially in the area of technology. He added that the state wants to remain a destination of choice for investors. He said the state had been tackling all its challenges, especially the ones that had affected its Gross Domestic Product over the years, and appreciated Lagosians for believing in his administration.
“We have created an economy where investment is real, where there is ease of doing business, both locally and internationally, and where people can believe in the stability of the State. Yes, we are a sub-national entity, but we want to continue to be the destination of choice for investors. So, we are open to investments in new areas, especially in technology, which is one area in which we know that all the unicorns have a career in Lagos. We want to become the destination where people can come and acquire the skills required,” he said.
“We know that Norway, Finland, and a few others were the powerhouse for technology at a time, but Nigeria, especially Lagos, wants to develop that capability so that we must be big. Large technology companies require young people who can come here and take charge. These are some of the economic drivers that we will see, and we will continue to push our government in the next couple of years so that the city can continue to remain resilient, forward-looking, and a safe home for all its residents, citizens, and international markets and audiences.”
Anniken Huitfeldt congratulated the Governor on his re-election in the recently concluded gubernatorial election in the state.
“We are happy that at the end of the gubernatorial elections, the voice of the people, especially Lagosians, was very loud and clear, and they gave us an overwhelming majority. It wasn’t an election in which anybody was in doubt. It was indeed a landslide victory; thanks to every Lagosian for believing in us again and giving us the constitutional and democratic power to run for another four years. We feel very humble,” responded Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Earlier in her remarks, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, also reinstated Norway’s support and cooperation toward the Energy Transition Plan in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos.
In her own words, “We are doing our best to support and improve cooperation between our two countries in the field of Green Transactions.We would like to contribute to your action plan. We are looking forward to more business opportunities and areas we can collaborate with you.”
It was a pleasure to receive the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anniken Huitfeldt, and her entourage today. I appreciate their commitment to supporting Lagos' Energy Transition Plan and exploring new business opportunities in areas like technology and infrastructure.
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) April 17, 2023
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