The Government of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger and more practical economic cooperation between Lagos State and the United States on trade, investment, technology, innovation and the creative economy.
The Governor made the call at a welcome reception in honour of the newly appointed U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Brandon Hudspeth, at Ikoyi, Lagos on Thursday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Esq., described Hudspeth’s return to Lagos as significant. He recalled his previous service in the city between 2020 and 2022 as Political-Economic Section Chief of the U.S. Consulate
Lagos, like the rest of the world, was navigating the disruption and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the Consul General’s previous experience and understanding of Lagos would provide a strong foundation for advancing bilateral opportunities between the State and the United States.
He noted that Lagos has changed for the better from that era and is keen to see more of its businesses gain access to American markets, while encouraging more U.S. businesses to explore the investment opportunities available in Lagos.
He also highlighted the potential for stronger collaboration in technology, innovation and the creative industries, noting that Lagos possesses the talent, enterprise and ambition to play a greater role in the global economy.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that achieving these objectives would require practical steps to remove barriers to investment and collaboration, including improving the ease of doing business, strengthening intellectual property protection and facilitating legitimate mobility and skills exchange.
The Governor said the State’s commitment under the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda was to build a more competitive and inclusive Lagos capable of attracting investment and creating opportunities for its growing population, particularly young people.
“We look forward to working closely with you and your team, not simply in the language of diplomacy, but through concrete partnerships that create jobs, expand markets, support innovation and give our young people greater access to opportunity,” he said.
The Governor also expressed appreciation to the former Consul General, Rick Swart, for his service and engagement with Lagos, wishing him well in retirement from the U.S. Foreign Service.
He further assured Hudspeth of the Lagos State Government’s friendship and cooperation, while wishing him a successful and rewarding tenure.
In his remarks, the United States Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Brandon Hudspeth, commended the Lagos State Government for the remarkable transformation witnessed across the State since 2022, particularly in infrastructure development. “I am particularly struck by how much Lagos has transformed for the better, with infrastructure development.”
He appreciated the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders for the warm reception accorded him and also expressed his commitment to work towards strengthening existing areas of cooperation and deepening bilateral relations between Lagos State and the United States during his tenure.
The reception brought together government officials, diplomats, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders and other stakeholders, reflecting the enduring relationship and shared interests between Lagos State and the United States.
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