By David Lawani
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state is consolidating its position as Africa’s leading investment destination, with ongoing reforms and infrastructure expansion expected to drive the economy closer to the $300 billion mark.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, foreign investors, development partners, and business leaders, where he outlined the state government’s strategy to sustain economic growth through infrastructure, technology, trade, and private-sector participation.
According to the governor, Lagos is deliberately building a modern economy anchored on transportation development, digital innovation, and industrial growth.
“We have walked this journey driven by vision and ambition, determined to leave Lagos better than we met it,” he said. “No part of the city has been left untouched by transformation.”
He highlighted major infrastructure delivered by the state government, especially in the transportation sector.
“We have completed and delivered critical infrastructure across waterways, roads, and transportation corridors. Lagos has successfully delivered the Blue Line and Red Line rail projects, while work is progressing with the Federal Government on the Green Line,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor said Lagos continues to position itself as the preferred gateway for investors seeking opportunities across Africa.
“If you want to access Africa and tap into its enormous economic potential, Lagos remains the most viable and attractive destination,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also stressed the strategic importance of Lagos within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), citing the state’s population, economic size, and regional connectivity.
“We remain the crown jewel of the African free trade ecosystem and the continent’s biggest sub-national economy, with over 25 million residents and a GDP approaching $300 billion,” he added.
The governor further highlighted the rapid growth of Lagos’ technology ecosystem, noting that the state had produced globally recognised Start-up and innovation-driven companies.
“We have nurtured technology unicorns and continue to redefine the future of commerce and innovation in Africa,” he said.
He disclosed that the state was developing the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) to attract more global capital and deepen investment inflows.
“The Lagos International Financial Centre is being designed as a purpose-built financial district that will serve as a major gateway for capital inflows between Africa and the global economy,” he noted.
Sanwo-Olu pointed to increasing support from international finance institutions and development partners.
“We are already seeing significant investment interest from institutions such as British International Investment, the African Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, and several multilateral partners,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and development partners for supporting Lagos’ economic aspirations, stressing that stronger collaboration remained critical to national growth.
“The Federal Government, development institutions, private investors, civil society, and the media all have important roles to play. There is enormous room for bold collaboration,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that the impact of investments on jobs and livelihoods would ultimately measure success.
“We will measure success by concrete investments that create jobs, grow businesses, and transform lives, not merely by speeches or headlines,” the governor added.
The Invest Lagos 3.0 forum brought together policymakers, investors, development institutions, and business leaders to explore opportunities in infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, energy, and the digital eco
