Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his counterparts from Abia, Imo, Nasarawa and Plateau States on Monday canvassed for local and foreign investments, showcasing opportunities across key sectors at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit.
Speaking at the two-day summit themed “Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said the gathering was designed to position Lagos as the preferred gateway to Africa’s 1.4 billion-person market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The governor said Lagos had continued to strengthen its competitiveness through strategic investments in transport, housing and digital infrastructure.
According to him, landmark projects such as the Blue and Red Rail Lines, the Lagos International Financial Centre and major technology infrastructure investments are aimed at enhancing the state’s attractiveness to investors.
“If you want to reach Africa, Lagos offers the most viable route,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The summit brought together policymakers, investors, development finance institutions and business leaders to explore investment opportunities and deepen economic partnerships across Nigeria and Africa.
Also speaking, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said the state had attracted over $2.3 billion in investments and was emerging as a major destination for mining and industrial ventures.
Sule noted that Nasarawa was hosting significant lithium processing projects and described the state as a “one-stop shop” for investors.
He called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to unlock more economic opportunities and accelerate development.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State highlighted reforms in electricity, road infrastructure and industrial development as key drivers of improved investor confidence in the state.
He said several parts of Imo now enjoy 24-hour electricity supply, while plans for an energy-focused free trade zone were expected to attract additional investments.
Uzodinma added that ongoing airport expansion and industrial park projects were positioning the state for sustained economic growth.
On his part, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State emphasised the importance of reliable electricity in driving industrialisation and attracting investments.
Otti said states should focus on complementing Lagos rather than competing with it in the quest to attract capital and promote national economic development.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State identified agriculture, tourism and mining as strategic sectors with significant growth potential.
He said Plateau remained one of the leading suppliers of vegetables and potatoes to markets across Nigeria and West Africa.
Mutfwang also outlined plans to develop agro-processing zones, cold-chain infrastructure and a livestock value chain targeted at export markets.
“Plateau is open for business,” the governor said.
The governors used the summit to showcase ongoing reforms and strategic projects aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting investment and accelerating economic growth in their respective states.
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