Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured the business community in Lagos State of its commitment to continuously provide a friendly environment for businesses in the State.
The Governor gave the assurance at the 8th Edition of the Lagos Corporate Assembly, also tagged BOS Meets With Business Community held on Friday at Lagos House, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Governor stated that the State is open to partnerships and collaboration, which is a win-win situation and would assist the government in getting things done quickly.
His words: “Though the State is restricted by funds and political time frame, the administration would continue to promote businesses as there is a large market ready to absorb all that the manufacturers have to produce. The administration would also sustain the provision of industrial hubs for use as incubation centres for industrial start-ups, and we are already adding a new 44-Unit Light Industrial Park, Imota for use by MSMEs.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu directed Lekki Free Zone Development Company to make their fees affordable to investors, as there are a lot of opportunities to enjoy.
Addressing the observations of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Sanwo-Olu charged concerned government agencies in charge of ensuring the safety of industrial workplaces to work through the Harmonised Inspection Team for inspection of workplaces. He further directed that no Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) PSP operators should operate without or with an expired licence.
In response to the plan for MSMEs, Governor Sanwo-Olu informed the audience that MSMEs are part of Lagos business plan and the administration has already concluded arrangements to host the 8th edition of the annual week-long MSMEs Exclusive Fair from 12th to 17th December, 2023.
“Let me say to you that in the next edition of this programme next year, the administration would be inviting relevant Federal Government agencies to participate and to directly respond to some of the issues raised at the event,” he said.
Also present at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat charged investors and business owners to be law-abiding and partner with the government in ensuring the implementation of its various policies designed to uplift businesses in the State.
“Let me assure you that the administration is willing and ready to work with you to sustain business prosperity in the State”, he said.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, noted that the State Government would continue to use platforms such as the Corporate Assembly, to sustain engagement with all Captains of Industries, Business leaders, Business Membership Organisations, Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and other important stakeholders in the business space.
Her words, “Indeed, whatever prominence Lagos State is laying claims to today would not have been possible without the contributions of the Organised Private Sector. This is why the administration would continue to deepen collaboration with OPS stakeholders, not only to sustain the existing level of growth but also to accelerate the momentum of the State’s development. We will fire up the conversation that would ensure that the State remains focused on its strong determination to move up the ladder on the global Ease of Doing Business index and progress steadily towards inclusive growth that would benefit the investors and the residents.
“This is also why the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda was conceived as a comprehensive strategic document to guide the Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the areas of policy formulation, development, implementation and evaluation against set parameters, to aggressively transform the State to a modern economy and meet the yearning and aspirations of all stakeholders, including the business community,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem further stated that the State Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment shall continue to institute policies aimed at further promoting a sustainable business environment for all stakeholders in the State.
