Blessing Taiwo
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed readiness to expand trade partnerships and investment with Canada.
According to him, strong international ties translate to real economic growth hence the plan to transform diplomatic partnerships into opportunities and lasting value for Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Tuesday at the Lagos State House, Marina during a courtesy visit by the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, and Deputy High Commissioner Carlos Rojas-Arbulu.
He mentioned that his administration has worked closely with several Canadian firms for infrastructure, clean technology, agro-food, healthcare, mining, financial services, ICT, and education.
“In the last seven years, I think we’ve created the time to always have engagement, positive, constructive engagement. I’ve met in that time with one or two of your mayors as well, that have come to Lagos for a trip.
“We’ve met a few trade missions. But more importantly, we’ve seen a relationship that has been steadily growing, and with the understanding that we can do better, we can do a lot more on both sides,” the governor said.
Pasquale Salvaggio, in his remarks, hinted that Canada has developed a comprehensive Africa strategy to further enhance relationships with countries in the continent, of which Nigeria is a major priority.
The high commissioner described Nigeria as a natural partner in which Canada is willing to enhance economic ties by ensuring smooth relationships in all spheres.
He urged the government to conclude the Foreign Investment Protection Act to protect investors and aid foreign trade.
“I’m hopeful that we will also be able to finalize a long-standing agreement that we haven’t quite got over the finish line with Nigeria called the Foreign Investment Protection Act, which will provide more opportunities and assurances for investors from both Nigeria and Canada just at a time when interest is peaking.
”Indeed, you will know that last June we had a trade mission here, and more than 30 Canadian companies came to Lagos, and we had a reception afterwards after a very successful two days. And you very kindly sent a representative to that evening. But it’s indicative of how things are growing.
“Then our minister visited, and he saw you. That was in May. So, there’s full of lots of activities between our countries, and I’m very happy to say that.
In so far as economic cooperation is concerned, Governor, we have—as I said, Lagos is the centre of Nigeria, which plays perhaps the first or the second most important role of any of our country partners in Africa,” Salvaggio said.
