Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that his administration is poised to deepen bilateral relationships with Norway to foster development in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this commitment 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, stated that beyond the existing stockfish bilateral trade between the country and state, there was the need to do a lot more.
“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,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that his government was committed to creating an environment where it is easy for people to do business, adding that the government understood the significance of Lagos State to the development of Nigeria, reason many initiatives and infrastructure had been put in place to ensure this.
The governor emphasised that in terms of business relationships, there are various opportunities that both governments can collaborate on, noting that in regards to power, a lot of things had been done and initiatives put in place.
He said that the government, to this end, was willing to have business information on 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 percent of the country’s GDP. In terms of commerce, the seaports in Lagos are responsible for about eighty percent of inflow into Nigeria, with almost all the banks in the country having their headquarters in the state,” he said.
The Ambassador of Norway, Mr Svein Baera, earlier in his remarks, stated that his visit to Lagos was to further nurture the business relationship between the state and his country and to see if there were 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 said.
Baera added that since last year’s Nordic Event, investors had 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 declared.
