By Our Correspondent
National News – Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger global investment partnerships, urging members of the Commonwealth of Nations to prioritise Africa—especially Lagos—as a key destination for capital.
He made this appeal on Monday at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held in London, where he served as keynote speaker.
Addressing delegates from across the 56-member bloc, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that Lagos offers not only economic opportunities but also long-term collaboration.
He highlighted that Africa’s youthful population and rapid growth position it as central to the future of global trade.
According to him, by 2050, one in four people worldwide will be African, making the continent critical to investment strategies.
The governor explained that Lagos is already taking practical steps to attract investors through infrastructure development and policy reforms.
He pointed to ongoing investments in ports, airports, rail systems, and technology as part of efforts to create a business-friendly environment.
He added that Lagos contributes about one-third of Nigeria’s GDP, reinforcing its status as the country’s economic hub.
Sanwo-Olu also stressed the importance of trust within the Commonwealth network, describing it as a platform built on shared values rather than fear.
He argued that for the bloc to remain relevant, Africa must move from the margins to the centre of global economic discussions, with Lagos playing a leading role.
As part of this strategy, the governor announced the upcoming “Invest in Lagos 3.0” summit scheduled for June 8 and 9.
The event, to be held at Eko Hotels and Suites, aims to connect international investors with viable business opportunities across sectors in Lagos.
Explaining how the initiative works, Sanwo-Olu noted that the summit is designed as a transaction platform rather than just a conference, enabling real investment deals and partnerships.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic growth through its THEMES+ agenda, which focuses on infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, and youth empowerment.
