In a bid to foster collaboration between the government and the business community, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured entrepreneurs and corporate leaders during the 2023 Lagos Corporate Assembly that his administration is committed to providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
The event, themed “BOS meets with Business Community,” took place at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, and was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, members of the State Executive Council, heads of agencies, Captains of Industries, and entrepreneurs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged government agencies to engage with corporate organizations and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in a manner that reflects a human face. He promised prompt attention to issues raised during the meeting, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to the ease of doing business.
“We have had a very extensive collaborative conversation, and there was no disagreement. Everybody brought issues forward, and I think at the end of the day, we were able to see solutions being espoused,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
Addressing the economic goals set by President Buhari, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the need for Lagos to be a key player in achieving the target of a 1 trillion economy by 2030. He stressed the importance of alignment between the government and businesses, calling for unity in pursuing economic growth.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also disclosed the financial challenges faced by Lagos State, stating that approximately N7 trillion would be required for the 2024 budget to address infrastructural challenges and basic amenities. Despite global economic uncertainties, he affirmed his commitment to delivering on campaign promises.
“That is one of the challenges we are having presently. We want to fix roads and do it rightly. We need to scale up with modern technology and put in place enduring policies,” he explained. The governor acknowledged the current inflationary rate and emphasized the need for collaboration to overcome challenges and ensure a sustainable economy.
“We can’t give excuses; we need to work together. We are running against time. I have a political timeline I am working with, and we can’t afford to fail,” Governor Sanwo-Olu added.
He concluded by urging collaboration and the identification of solutions to challenges through ideas and submissions from the business community. The governor emphasized the importance of supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for a sustainable economy through friendly policies.
