Sanwo-Olu Woos Canadian Businesses at Canada-Africa Conference in Lagos

Sanwo-Olu Woos Canadian Businesses at Canada-Africa Conference in Lagos
Says Lagos Open for Investment
Hails Canada at 159th Anniversary

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Government and people of Canada on the country’s 159th Confederation Anniversary, reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening investment opportunities, business growth and economic relations between Canada and Nigeria, Eko Hot Blog reports

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Sanwo-Olu Woos Canadian Businesses at Canada-Africa Conference in Lagos

Speaking at the Canada Day Reception and the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference held in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as the ideal location to celebrate Canada Day and discuss the future of Canada-Africa economic cooperation, noting that both jurisdictions share values of openness, enterprise, diversity and constructive global engagement.

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The governor expressed delight that the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business selected Lagos as the host city for its flagship conference for the first time, describing the decision as recognition of Lagos’ position as Africa’s commercial capital and a leading destination for commerce, innovation and investment.

According to him, Nigeria remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral merchandise trade exceeding $3 billion in 2025, much of which passes through Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial gateway and strategic access point to the West African market.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said Lagos is strategically positioned to support Canada’s Africa Strategy, which focuses on shared prosperity, sustainable growth and mutual security.

Sanwo-Olu Woos Canadian Businesses at Canada-Africa Conference in Lagos

He noted that the Lagos State Government has continued to create an enabling environment for investment through the implementation of the THEMES+ Development Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure renewal, economic growth, improved public services and ease of doing business.

Reaffirming the state’s readiness to deepen partnerships with Canadian businesses and investors, Sanwo-Olu said, “Lagos is open. Our market is ready. I am personally committed to ensuring that every investor’s experience in Lagos is productive, transparent and rewarding.”

The governor highlighted key projects undertaken by his administration, including passenger operations on the Blue and Red Rail Lines and the emergence of the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a major trade and logistics hub.

He also pointed to future investment opportunities through the proposed Green Line Rail Project, expansion of Lagos’ digital and innovation ecosystem, industrialisation initiatives across strategic growth corridors and reforms in the electricity market aimed at improving productivity, competitiveness and sustainability.

“These are not simply government initiatives; they are investment opportunities for partners who are prepared to build with us for the long term,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu commended Canada’s commitment of more than $30 million towards strengthening healthcare systems, supporting women entrepreneurs and enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria and West Africa, describing the intervention as a model of meaningful partnership that aligns development cooperation with commercial opportunities.

He added that relations between Nigeria and Canada extend beyond trade and investment, encompassing thousands of students, professionals, entrepreneurs and families whose interactions continue to strengthen people-to-people ties between both countries.

Sanwo-Olu Woos Canadian Businesses at Canada-Africa Conference in Lagos

“As Canada expands its engagement with Africa, Lagos remains prepared to serve as a bridge between opportunity and achievement by providing a dynamic environment for sustainable investment and business growth,” the governor stated.

In his remarks, Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlous Rojas-Arbulu, underscored the growing strength of Canada-Nigeria relations and described the hosting of the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos as evidence of Canada’s commitment to deepening trade, investment and development partnerships across Africa.