Lagos, Nigeria
In a major step toward fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, led a delegation of prominent Southeast business leaders on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The visit, held at Lagos House, was aimed at strengthening partnerships that drive economic growth, enterprise development, and national prosperity.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and the remarkable strides his administration continues to make in advancing Lagos as a hub of innovation, commerce, and development. She conveyed warm greetings and appreciation from the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, acknowledging the synergy between Lagos State and the Federal Government in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister emphasized that Lagos has consistently demonstrated the power of partnership through pragmatic governance, forward-thinking reforms, and cooperation on major initiatives such as the Lagos Green Line Metro Rail Project. According to her, the visit was also in line with the President’s directive for Ministers to engage directly with stakeholders to accelerate economic growth and national development.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the Minister’s introduction of the Government and Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series, an initiative designed to institutionalize regular engagement between policymakers and business leaders. The first edition of the Dialogue Series is scheduled to hold in Lagos at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, with the theme “Finance and SME Growth.”
Dr. Uzoka-Anite explained that the GPS platform will serve as a bridge connecting policy with practice and ambition with action, a space where government and business can collaborate to identify barriers to investment, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions that foster inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Minister extended an invitation to the Lagos State Government to co-host the maiden edition of the event, noting that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat, is the ideal starting point for this national dialogue. She called for the participation of key Lagos State commissioners in finance, commerce, industry, and local government affairs to ensure the initiative’s success.
The Minister also introduced members of her delegation – distinguished Southeast business leaders based in Lagos, describing them as shining examples of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial excellence. She expressed optimism that such engagements would deepen regional cooperation and economic inclusion.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), broadening access to finance, and promoting private-sector innovation, Dr. Uzoka-Anite stated that both the Federal and Lagos State Governments share a common vision of building a nation where enterprise is encouraged, innovation is rewarded, and prosperity is accessible to every hardworking citizen.
In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu applauded the Minister’s leadership and affirmed Lagos State’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and private-sector stakeholders to promote inclusive growth and improve the lives of Nigerians. He also commended the choice of Lagos as host for the maiden edition of the GPS Dialogue Series.
Following the meeting, the Southeast business delegation requested a closed-door session with the Governor to discuss potential areas of partnership, including the proposed establishment of a Lagos–Igbo Consultative Council – an initiative aimed at strengthening mutual understanding, collaboration, and shared prosperity.
As the Federal Government, Lagos State, and private-sector leaders continue to deepen their engagement, the future of Nigeria’s economy looks increasingly promising. With collaboration, innovation, and shared vision at the center of policy and enterprise, the path to national prosperity is clearer than ever.
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