Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Sweden in the areas of information technology, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development for the benefit of Lagos residents.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the Crown Princess of Sweden and Duchess of Västergötland, Her Royal Highness Princess Alice Désirée, and her delegation at the Lagos House, Marina.
He noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and a critical player on the African continent, is open to deepening collaboration with Sweden, especially as Swedish stakeholders engage with the state’s business community in pursuit of mutually beneficial development opportunities.
Highlighting ongoing technological efforts in the state, the governor disclosed that Lagos was in the process of building 6,800 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure to boost internet bandwidth. He said the first phase of the project, covering 3,500 kilometres, had been completed and was already drawing the attention of global tech firms.
“We need a lot of technology. We are building fibre optics of about 6,800 kilometres across our state. We finished the first phase — about 3,500 kilometres — to increase bandwidth penetration,” he stated. “Interestingly, a lot of companies are coming. Google is building a data centre, and about four others are under construction.”
He added that Lagos, with a population of over 22 million — nearly double Sweden’s — offers enormous opportunities for digital expansion and infrastructure development.
In her response, Crown Princess Alice Désirée expressed excitement over the visit and acknowledged Lagos as the economic backbone of Nigeria, lauding its robust business environment and potential for enhanced Swedish-Nigerian cooperation.
“We are very excited to be here and to see what the Swedish-Nigerian relationship can develop into. We see vast areas of potential for further growth and cooperation,” she said. “We are very happy to be here with the Swedish companies already present in Nigeria.”
Also speaking during the visit, Sweden’s Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Mr Andreas Carlson, emphasised that the visit aimed to solidify ties for a green economy, digital innovation, and cross-border collaboration. He disclosed that Sweden’s first Trade Office in Nigeria would be inaugurated in Lagos later in the day.
“Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess Victoria is here in Lagos to underline the importance of a strong relationship and partnership with Nigeria and Lagos State,” he said. “We see opportunities when it comes to green and digital transition. Lagos is the right place to start.”
ALSO READ: Adamawa govt moves to fast track renewable energy access in rural communities
The visit also featured a cultural display by the Lagos State Cultural Troupe, during which the Crown Princess joined in the traditional dance to the delight of attendees.
Princess Alice Désirée was accompanied by the Ambassador of Nigeria to Sweden, Ambassador Tiwatope Elias-Fatile, and other dignitaries. The delegation was received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, and other officials.
During the reception at Lagos House, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, presented traditional African gifts to the Crown Princess in honour of the visit.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE