Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sweden in the areas of information technology, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development for the benefit of Lagos residents.
The governor made this known yesterday during a courtesy visit by Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Alice Désirée of Sweden and Duchess of Västergötland, to the Lagos House, Marina.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.
Highlighting Lagos as the heartbeat of Nigeria and a significant player on the African continent, the governor expressed optimism that the Crown Princess’s engagement with the Lagos business community would foster mutually beneficial development opportunities.
“We need a lot of technology. We are laying about 6,800 kilometres of fibre optic cables across the state. We’ve completed the first phase—around 3,500 kilometres—to enhance bandwidth penetration.
“Excitingly, many companies are investing—Google is building a data centre, and three others are under construction in Lagos,” he said.
He added that with a population of 22 million—double that of Sweden—Lagos offers vast opportunities for collaboration in IT and infrastructure.
However, Désirée commended the Lagos State Government for its role as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, noting the impressive scale of business activity in the state.
“We are excited to be here and to explore the growth potential of the Swedish-Nigerian partnership. There are vast opportunities for further cooperation, and we’re pleased to support Swedish companies already operating in Nigeria,” she said.
Additionally, Sweden’s Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, noted that the Crown Princess’s visit was aimed at strengthening ties in green economy initiatives, digital innovation, and knowledge exchange.
He announced that Lagos would host Sweden’s first-ever trade office in Nigeria, officially inaugurated later that day by the Crown Princess.
“Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess Victoria is here to emphasise the importance of deepening the strong relationship between Sweden and Nigeria.
“We see immense potential for collaboration in digital and green transitions. Lagos is clearly the ideal starting point,” Carlson said.
Désirée and her delegation arrived in Lagos yesterday morning and were received at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, and other top officials.
The Crown Princess was warmly welcomed with cultural performances by the Lagos State Cultural Troupe, and joined in the festivities, dancing to the delight of spectators.
