Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has stated that the State Government is willing to deepen bilateral relationships with Norway to foster development in the state.
The Governor made these remarks on Wednesday while receiving the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Mr. Svein Baera, on a courtesy visit to his office.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat who received the Norwegian Ambassador on behalf of the Governor, noted that beyond the existing stock fish bilateral trade between the country and state, there is the need to do a lot more.
He said, “Though the business of stockfish has already established a relationship between our countries and of course Lagos, there is the need to deepen the relationship, so we will work together to find a way to deepen that relationship and make sure it expands to different areas”.
Mr. Sanwo-Olu stated that his government is committed to creating an environment where it is easy for people to do business. He added that the government understands the significance of Lagos State to the development of Nigeria as such, many initiatives and infrastructure have been put in place to ensure this.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that in terms of business relationships, there are various business opportunities that both governments can collaborate on, noting that in regards to power, a lot of things have been done and initiatives in place, adding that the government is willing to have business information of Norwegian companies to have a thorough understanding of the various businesses and activities and where both governments can partner and have businesses in Nigeria.
“Lagos State is very key to the development of Nigeria and the whole of West Africa, as it contributes about three per cent of the country’s GDP. In terms of commerce, the seaports in Lagos are responsible for about 80 per cent of inflow into Nigeria, with almost all the banks in the country having their headquarters in the state”, he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ambassador of Norway, Mr. Svein Baera stated that his visit to Lagos is to further nurture the business relationship between the State and Norway and to see if there are more business opportunities.
“I am aware of the existing bilateral trade relationship between the two countries, particularly on the stockfish market, my country is willing to deepen the trade relationship on the stockfish market in Lagos”.
He added that since last year’s Nordic Event, investors have shown interest in solar energy, with the cultural aspect being an important area of incorporation between Nigeria and Norway. “We are very impressed in Norway by the Afrobeats, Lagos Film Industry and so on”, he said.
