Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has highlighted the state’s transformation and growing investment potential during the Lagos-New York 2026 Learning Journey at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.
Sanwo-Olu said the area where the refinery now stands was open water barely a decade ago, describing its transformation as a reflection of Lagos’ determination to create opportunities rather than wait for perfect conditions.
He noted that the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery demonstrates Africa’s capacity to execute projects on a massive scale, while commending Aliko Dangote and partner organisations for investing in Lagos and supporting the continent’s development.
The Governor said Lagos faces many of the challenges that will shape Africa’s future, including infrastructure, energy and a rapidly growing youthful population. He stressed that sustainable development must go beyond individual efforts to create systems that make it easier for future investors and entrepreneurs to succeed.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted major projects along the Lekki corridor, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Free Zone, Blue Line rail and the planned airport, as part of efforts to build an ecosystem where future investors can thrive without starting from scratch.
He urged Young Global Leaders heading to New York to turn discussions about Africa’s potential into meaningful partnerships, stressing that the continent has already begun building its future.
