Sanwo-Olu seeks synergy between LASG, NPA

•Describes SMEs as real drivers of economy

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for synergy and cordial relationship between the state government and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to make ports in Lagos better.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call during a courtesy visit by the NPA Board of Directors led by its Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, at the Lagos House, Marina.

The governor, while making the call, noted that ports play a vital role in Lagos and Nigeria’s economy, stressing the need for both the state government and NPA to work together to realise the aspirations and promises of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians.

This was just as Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration had done a lot to address the issue of traffic congestion in Apapa, attributing 60 per cent of the accidents on Lagos roads to carelessness of truck drivers loading goods from ports in the state.

“We have significantly solved the Apapa gridlock problem. We have been part of the solution of the Apapa and Tin Can Port’s traffic congestion, knowing that it is in our collective interest to do so because they are national assets that generate revenue for the country.

“We understand the vital role our ports play in Lagos and Nigeria’s economy because ports are critical assets. I believe we can do better if we work together.

“We are willing to support. It is in our interest to work with NPA to ensure that all of the aspirations and promises of President Bola Tinubu are realisable. We are committed totally to supporting them,” the governor stated.

Senator Adeyeye, in his earlier remark, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for solving the Apapa traffic gridlock and for maintaining a good relationship with NPA, assuring that the agency was ready to promote a good relationship with Lagos.

Adeyeye expressed delight with what was happening in Lagos, acknowledging the state as the best environment “in terms of community and government relations with the Nigeria Ports Authority.”

According to him, NPA enjoys a good relationship with its host community and the Lagos State Government, saying that the state remained one “with the least problems.”

“We are happy with what is happening in Lagos because this is the best environment we have seen in terms of community and government relations with the Nigeria Ports Authority. NPA enjoys a good relationship with its host community and the Lagos State Government, and this is the state with the least problems,” he said.

In a related development, Governor Sanwo-Olu has described small and medium businesses as the real drivers of the economy and stressed the need to strengthen the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The governor gave this position during a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, at Lagos House, Marina.

Speaking during the visit, Odili, who praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the promotion of SMEs in Lagos, called for continuous support from the state government for small and medium businesses.