Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger economic cooperation between Lagos State and the United States in trade, investment, technology, innovation and the creative economy.
The Governor made the call at a welcome reception for the newly appointed United States Consul General in Lagos, Brandon Hudspeth, held in Ikoyi on Thursday.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described Hudspeth’s return to Lagos as significant, recalling his previous service in the city between 2020 and 2022 as Political-Economic Section Chief of the US Consulate.
The Governor said Hudspeth’s familiarity with Lagos would provide a strong foundation for expanding bilateral opportunities between the state and the United States.
He noted that Lagos has experienced significant transformation since Hudspeth’s previous assignment and expressed the state’s interest in helping more Lagos-based businesses access American markets while attracting increased US investment into the state.
Sanwo-Olu identified technology, innovation and the creative industries as key areas for deeper cooperation, stressing that Lagos has the talent, enterprise and ambition to play a greater role in the global economy.
He also called for practical measures to remove barriers to investment, including improving the ease of doing business, strengthening intellectual property protection and facilitating legitimate mobility and skills exchange.
The Governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment under the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda to building a competitive and inclusive economy capable of attracting investment and creating opportunities, particularly for young people.
He assured the new Consul General of the Lagos State Government’s friendship and cooperation and expressed confidence that their partnership would translate into concrete opportunities, job creation, market expansion and innovation.
Hudspeth, in his remarks, commended the Lagos State Government for the transformation recorded across the state since 2022, particularly in infrastructure development.
The new Consul General expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and pledged to work towards strengthening existing areas of cooperation and deepening relations between Lagos State and the United States.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and other stakeholders, highlighting the longstanding relationship and shared economic interests between Lagos and the United States.
