The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his Administration‘s commitment to strengthening international trade relations, attracting responsible investments, and creating a business environment that supports enterprise, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
The Governor gave the assurance in his goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. (Mrs.) Folashade Ambrose-Medebem at the 2026 European Business Chamber (EuroCham) Nigeria Awards Gala Dinner, held recently at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Sanwo-Olu described the growing economic relationship between Nigeria and Europe as a significant driver of Investment, Enterprise development, and Employment, noting that sustained collaboration between Government and the Private sector remains essential to unlocking greater Economic opportunities.
He disclosed that discussions at the 10th Nigeria-EU Business Forum, held earlier in Lagos, highlighted over €35 billion in annual trade and approximately €26 billion in European Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria, supporting more than 130,000 direct jobs.
The Governor emphasised that beyond these figures, the true measure of international Economic partnerships lies in their capacity to strengthen indigenous businesses, facilitate technology transfer, develop skills, and generate productive employment. “Our responsibility is to create an environment where businesses can invest, operate, grow, and compete”, he stated.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s determination to improve critical infrastructure, strengthen institutional systems, develop human capital, and facilitate business operations, while ensuring that foreign investments deliver measurable benefits to the local Economy.
Sanwo-Olu assured European investors and Business leaders of Lagos State’s readiness to support mutually beneficial partnerships that promote industrial development, expand market opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in international value chains.
“As Nigeria’s Commercial and Economic hub, Lagos will continue to welcome responsible Investment and Partnerships that create opportunities for our people and strengthen our Economy,” the Governor stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended EuroCham Nigeria for providing a platform that connects Nigerian and European businesses, facilitates investment opportunities, and strengthens bilateral Economic Cooperation.
He also congratulated the award recipients for their contributions to Enterprise development, Job creation, and Investor confidence, reaffirming that Lagos remains open to partnerships capable of delivering shared Economic prosperity.
In a significant highlight of the ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, was honoured with the prestigious Excellence in Trade and Investment Award by EuroCham Nigeria.
The award recognised her leadership and contributions towards advancing Trade, attracting investment, and promoting Private sector growth in Lagos State. The recognition further underscored the importance of purposeful leadership and sustained institutional engagement in strengthening Lagos State’s position as a preferred destination for commerce and investment.
The 2026 EuroCham Nigeria Awards Gala brought together members of the European Business Community, Nigerian Business Leaders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, and other Stakeholders to celebrate excellence and strengthen Commercial relations between Nigeria and Europe.