Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed the readiness of the state to deepen ties with Georgia, United States, through strategic partnerships in infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology, and the creative industries.
Speaking on Thursday at the US–Nigeria Policy and Trade Forum, held alongside FNITCC-AFRICON 2025 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is open for business and investment, with frameworks that will outlive his administration and shape future generations.
The Governor revealed plans to establish sister-city agreements between Atlanta and Lagos, stressing that both cities thrive as hubs of trade, logistics, innovation, and culture.
“When Lagos and Atlanta rise together, Nigeria and the United States prosper together,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Georgia’s strengths in logistics, agribusiness, film, and technology align with Lagos’ strategic priorities, adding that the state government is keen to collaborate with the Georgia African Legislative Caucus to deepen subnational ties.
“Our diaspora is our greatest export. Nigerians in Georgia—entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals—are bridges of trust and innovation. We invite you not only to invest in Nigeria but also to mentor, connect, and build with us,” the governor said.
Highlighting Lagos’ scale and opportunities, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that:
- Lagos accounts for over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and 50% of non-oil trade value.
- The state attracted $5.95 billion in foreign capital inflows in 2024, representing more than two-thirds of Nigeria’s total, and an additional $2.56 billion in Q1 2025.
- By 2030, Lagos is projected to be the world’s ninth-largest city economy, with a population exceeding 30 million.
- Lagos handles 70% of Nigeria’s seaport cargo throughput and remains the preferred entry point for investors in Africa’s largest market.
- The state is pioneering sustainability projects, including Africa’s first subnational Green Bond, clean energy initiatives, and electric mobility.
He further outlined ongoing transformational projects such as the Blue and Red Line metro systems, the upcoming 68km Green Line, the Lekki Deep Seaport, and the Lagos International Financial Centre.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed Lagos’ position as the beating heart of Africa’s tech ecosystem, home to over 2,500 startups, including unicorns like Flutterwave and Andela.
“Every day, Lagosians demonstrate that Africa’s future will be digitally powered,” he added.
The forum was attended by Georgia lawmakers, members of the Georgia African Legislative Caucus, business leaders, the Nigerian diaspora, and other stakeholders.
