Lagos remains critical to Nigeria’s economy- Obasa

The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to driving the nation’s economic sector, notwithstanding Abuja being the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of the country.

Obasa stated this on Thursday, when he received the new leadership of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) led by its President, Mr Leye Kupoluyi during a courtesy visit to the House.

Obasa stressed that Lagos remained the best destination for investment in Nigeria, citing landmark legislations such as the Public Private Partnership, the Employment Trust Fund and the Lagos State Lottery Laws.

The speaker added that this was an evidence of commitment of the house to creating a business-friendly environment.

He noted that the laws were designed to support entrepreneurs, attract investors and sustain Lagos’s position as the economic hub of the country.

“Lagos is the centre of Nigeria’s economy. We have always been pro-business and pro-people, and our laws reflect this commitment.

“The state is strategically placed to be the leading light of Africa, geographically, economically and otherwise,” Obasa stated.

Earlier, Kupoluyi noted that the meeting underscored the shared vision of both institutions to position Lagos, not only as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, but also as a continental leader in commerce and development.

The LCCI boss appreciated the assembly’s initiatives and called for stronger collaboration between the legislature and the business community.

He urged the house to continue enacting policies that would ease business operations and foster economic growth in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the LCCI delegation included Chief Varkey Verghese (Life Vice President) Sir Ladi Smith (Vice President) and Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo (Vice President).

Others were Dr Chinyere Almona (Director-General), Dr Sunnie Omeiza-Michael (Director, Research and Advocacy) and Mrs Akintunde Temitope (Director, International).

Similarly, members of the house at the occasion were Mr Stephen Ogundipe, Mr Oladele Ajomale, Mr Jubril AbdulKareem, Mr Bonu Solomon and Mr Lekan Onageko, the clerk, alongside aides of the speaker.