Lagos State Government has said the state is open to investors to take over some state assets to enable the government to take up more infrastructure to attract more private investors.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat who received the Leadership of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on behalf of the governor at his official residence Osborne-Ikoyi, emphasized that the government cannot do everything alone.
Dr. Hamzat noted that the state government understands that the private sector is the major driver of any nation or state economy and as such, it is the responsibility of the government to make them strive and create an enabling environment.
While speaking on the efforts of the government in attracting investors, the Deputy Governor stressed that the state government is already doing a lot in terms of attracting investors because it will be difficult for any government to do everything on its own.
He cited the issue of Electricity, which according to him, it was Lagos that originated the Electricity law which allows the sub-sovereign to generate power and manage the distribution. He made it known that Lagos State has almost completed the power generation process, and explained that there is a need for the government to collaborate with the DISCOS so that they don’t become dis-selective to other investors.
In the entertainment industry, the Deputy Governor highlighted that the government is planning to build Eko Film City, which will work in partnership with investors, adding that there is land provided by the government and it is open to investors to key into the components they want.
According to him, Lagos is currently the largest Startup Capital in Africa, where the government has been able to take about 23 startups through the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
Earlier in his remarks, the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa noted that the primary purpose of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to attract investment to the state with the efforts of the enabling policies of the government.
He stated that so far the Chamber has been empowered by the business friendliness of the state, adding that “this is why we tell investors that Lagos State should be their hub in West and Central Africa for business”, he said.
The President however requested for the need to strengthen the relationship with the state government in specific areas such as, electricity to enable the chamber to collaboratively build the Lagos Universal Power Access Network in the nearest future, technology, tourism and creative industries.
Idahosa therefore appreciated the state government for its continuous support and partnership on various events and activities of the chamber such as the Lagos International Trade Fair.
Adding that “We generally want to applaud your commitment to promoting private enterprise and investment attraction 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, this is something that we value”.
