The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Aisha Rimi, has commended the Lagos State government for ensuring that the state has facilities that attract investors, urging the government to continue improving these facilities and to always remain at the forefront.
Rimi made these comments on Wednesday during a courtesy visit with other council members to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House, Marina.
As an investment promotion agency based in Abuja, Rimi stated that the NIPC was touring various states to explore ways to attract investors. She noted that after the North West region, the focus was now on the South West, emphasizing that Lagos possessed demographic dividends that should be leveraged through promotion, encouragement, facilitation, and support for both current and prospective investors.
“Lagos has demographic dividends that must be tapped into. How do we achieve this? By promoting, encouraging, facilitating, and supporting those who are already here and those who are considering coming,” Rimi said.
She highlighted that while the NIPC was based in Abuja, effective collaboration with state governments was crucial for their initiatives.
Rimi mentioned that the commission included two agencies, including the Nigeria Investment Education Programme, designed to assist investors facing challenges. These agencies aimed to help Lagos State maintain its position as a top destination for investors.
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Governor Sanwo-Olu responded by affirming that the state remained attractive to investors due to its prioritization of business-friendly infrastructures. He noted ongoing efforts to enhance these facilities, such as investments in waterways and railways to reduce road congestion and facilitate smoother vehicular movement.
“As you observed, Lagos presents abundant opportunities despite challenges. It is the economic and commercial nerve center that shoulders the responsibility of attracting investment opportunities and overcoming challenges in the country,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
He emphasized Lagos State’s long-standing success in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), highlighting its ability to integrate new businesses and opportunities over the decades.