Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday called on the United Kingdom (UK) to give more support to the state to enable the state to fulfil her role as the financial base of the Nigerian economy.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this appeal when he received the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, who paid him a courtesy visit at his official residence in Marina, Lagos.
The governor told the British High Commissioner that based on the historical background the state shared with the United Kingdom and being a host to the country’s deputy commissioner, the state required much support from the UK to be able to play its role as the economic nerve centre of the country.
He listed the various areas to include the economy, innovation, security, and provision of necessary amenities for businesses to thrive in the state.
“We continue to plead your support and mutually beneficial relationship that, during your time, we are positively hopeful that we will also see your support in one or two of those things we talk about.
“We can see your support and the technical support in the plan to make Lagos the financial centre in the economy of the country, and your interest in other areas of growth,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Montgomery, in his response, expressed delight about the transformation, which the state he left about 10 years ago had witnessed, pointing out that both Lagos and the UK “have a lot to learn from this innovation coming out from various sectors.”
“It is a great pleasure for him to come to Lagos, the fantastic city, which he left about 10 years ago.”Since I was last present here 10 years ago, I have seen much transformation. We have a lot to learn from this innovation coming out from various sectors here.
“I think one of the broad aspects my team is interested in pursuing is the economic opportunities Lagos provides for not just Nigeria but also for the region, and also for investment and some other sectors. We hope we have a comparative advantage.
“So it is a pleasure for me to be here. We have our conversation about the priority of the new lease of government.
“About two months ago, the government put emphasis on trade and investment, and I can see a lot of great opportunities in Lagos, with the economy, we talk about financial services, we talk about infrastructure, we talk about education, we talk about digital technologies and anything we can do as a partner in Nigeria to support the presence of a buffer between our economy.
“That will be our top priority, and wherever we are invited to do so, to support some of the reforms the government is taking, we are looking in that area for further dialogue,” Montgomery said.
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