OKAFOR AUGUSTINE IZUCHUKWU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu called for stronger trade and investment partnerships between Lagos and Poland, describing the two economies as natural partners with shared aspirations for growth and prosperity.
The Governor made the call at the inaugural Polish-Nigerian Economic Forum, organised by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Nigeria, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat noted that strengthening economic ties with Poland will position Lagos as a globally competitive hub for investment, trade, and innovation.
His words, “As a government, we reaffirm our readiness to welcome investors, innovators, and partners from Poland to explore the limitless opportunities our State offers. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, driven by transparency, security, infrastructure, and the sheer dynamism of our people,” said Sanwo-Olu.
He highlighted Poland’s remarkable transformation into one of Europe’s most dynamic economies, noting that Lagos recognises and appreciates this journey and is convinced that there is much to learn, share, and build together.
He also outlined the key areas of potential collaboration between Lagos State and Poland, which include infrastructure and urban development, energy and clean technology, digital economy and cybersecurity, transport and logistics, healthcare and medical equipment, as well as agriculture and food processing.
Accordingly, Sanwo-Olu stressed that Lagos, with a population of over 22 million people, contributes more than 30 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and serves as the principal gateway to West Africa, highlighting that his administration is implementing the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which drives development in infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, housing, healthcare, digitization of government services, and the creative economy.
While maintaining that Lagos is building the framework for lasting prosperity and inclusive growth, Sanwo-Olu commended the vision and commitment of the organisers for convening the Forum, describing it as timely, strategic, and aligned with the shared aspirations of Nigeria and Poland for sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity.
“This Forum is a bridge between Lagos, the heartbeat of Africa’s economy, and Poland, a rising force in Europe. Together, we can build enduring partnerships that will not only strengthen economic ties between our nations but also chart a new course of prosperity for our peoples,” the Governor concluded.
The Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, who was represented at the event by the Director, Investment Promotion, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Gertrude A. Orji said that Nigeria is open for business and is ambitious in its collaboration with Poland in critical areas, such as agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure, oil and gas, renewable energy resources, as well as manufacturing and technology, where Poland has deep expertise.
Dr. Oduwole added that “under the leadership of the present administration, Nigeria’s economic revival is anchored on trade expansion through the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the nation is shifting away from dependency on oil and gas towards a diversified, export-oriented economy.”
Also in his address, Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abuja, Michal Cygan, stated that the forum showcased opportunities for both Nigeria and Poland to benefit from complementary strengths across trade, investment, innovation, and human capital development.
Cygan added that it marks a new chapter of strengthened partnership and shared prosperity. He noted that Nigeria’s vast potential, particularly its vibrant youth population and thriving technology sector, is a critical area for stronger collaboration. With over 4,000 Nigerian students currently studying in Poland, people-to-people ties were described as the bedrock of future bilateral relations.
Earlier in her welcome address, Head of the Foreign Trade Office in Lagos, Justyna Sitarska, stated that Poland is ready and willing to partner with Nigeria, stressing that Nigeria is definitely an important economic partner for Poland.
Sitarska highlighted that only one per cent of all Polish exports currently reach Africa, an amount she considered low and insufficient for the continent given Poland’s economic strength. She added that the statistic underscores the vast potential and readiness for deeper economic cooperation between Poland and Africa, particularly Nigeria.
