Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships with the US state of Georgia in infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology, and the creative industries.
He spoke at the US–Nigeria Policy and Trade Forum, held alongside FNITCC-AFRICON 2025 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta yesterday.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was open for investment and eager to establish collaborations that would outlast the current administration and shape future generations.
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The governor emphasised Lagos’s interest in developing a sister-city framework to connect Atlanta and Lagos more deliberately, noting that when the two cities prosper, both Nigeria and the United States benefit.
The forum drew distinguished lawmakers from the State of Georgia, members of the Georgia African Legislative Caucus, business leaders, members of the Nigerian diaspora, and friends of Lagos and Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the initiative was not solely about Nigeria and the United States, but about Lagos and Georgia discovering new synergies in trade, policy collaboration, and diaspora engagement.
Highlighting the similarities between both cities, he observed: “Atlanta is a logistics and technology hub for the American South, while Lagos serves as the gateway to West Africa. Both cities thrive at the intersection of trade, innovation, and culture.”
The governor further noted that Georgia’s strengths in logistics, agribusiness, film, and technology align closely with Lagos’ strategic development priorities.
He said: “The Georgia African Legislative Caucus has shown visionary leadership in connecting diaspora voices to policymaking. Lagos is eager to work with you in shaping legislation and frameworks that deepen subnational ties.
“Our diaspora is our greatest export. Nigerians in Georgia—entrepreneurs, academics, and professionals—are bridges of trust and innovation. We invite you to invest not only in Nigeria but also to mentor, connect, and build with us.
“Nigeria and the United States share deep and historic ties. But the bond between Lagos State and Georgia carries a unique promise. Atlanta is home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities in the U.S., and Lagos is home to Africa’s most ambitious megacity project—a city of over 24 million people, generating more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and over 50 per cent of its non-oil trade value.
“Just as Georgia has become a logistics and technology hub for the American South, Lagos is the gateway to West Africa, handling over 70% of Nigeria’s seaport cargo throughput and serving as the preferred entry point for investors into Africa’s largest market.
“We are the first subnational in Africa poised to issue a Green Bond, financing sustainable infrastructure. We are pioneering clean energy markets, electric mobility, and climate-resilient projects to ensure that Lagos is not only Africa’s economic capital but also its sustainability leader.”
Sanwo-Olu revealed that the state government, in partnership with Afreximbank, MOFI, and international investors, is unlocking billions of dollars in capital to drive transformative projects.
Highlighting Lagos’s unique advantages, he described the state as an economic powerhouse with a vast population and market capacity, underpinned by infrastructure development, innovation, and a vibrant youth population.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos attracted $5.95 billion in foreign capital inflows in 2024—accounting for more than two-thirds of Nigeria’s total.
He added that in the first quarter of 2025, Lagos maintained its position as the country’s leading investment destination, drawing $2.56 billion, despite global economic headwinds.
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“By 2030, Lagos is projected to be the ninth-largest city economy in the world, with a population exceeding 30 million, offering one of the continent’s deepest consumer markets.
“From the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (Blue and Red Lines) to the upcoming 68 km Green Line metro project, and from the Lekki Deep Seaport to the new Lagos International Financial Centre, we are deliberately positioning Lagos as a global city ready for business.
“Lagos is the beating heart of Africa’s tech ecosystem, home to more than 2,500 startups, including unicorns like Flutterwave and Andela. Every day, Lagosians demonstrate that Africa’s future will be digitally powered”, he said.
