MON OCT 26 2026-theGBJournal| Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday called for stronger regional trade corridors, improved infrastructure and easier access to finance to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness and position Lagos as a gateway to Africa’s expanding market.
Speaking at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Sanwo-Olu said effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), alongside improved cross-border trade systems, would help Nigerian businesses expand into new markets, create jobs and drive economic growth.
He said investments in roads, railways, ports, reliable electricity, broadband connectivity and logistics hubs were critical to reducing the cost of moving goods and connecting producers to consumers.
“Lagos is where ideas and opportunities meet,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that infrastructure investment, support for entrepreneurs and stronger market connections could create jobs and give businesses greater room to grow.
The governor also stressed the need to improve access to finance, simplify digital services and provide targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are central to expanding local production and strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional trade.
Greater collaboration between government, banks and private investors would enable businesses to scale up operations, meet international standards and compete more effectively across African markets, he said.
Sanwo-Olu further called for simpler customs procedures, more efficient one-stop border posts and harmonised standards to facilitate cross-border commerce.
He said better implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalisation Scheme and AfCFTA would help Nigerian products reach more African markets, while efficient transport corridors would reduce delays and lower the cost of doing business.
“Our focus in Lagos is to make trade easier and ensure that economic growth improves everyday life for Lagosians,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said strengthening regional economic connections and improving the business environment would help build a more productive Nigerian economy and position Lagos to capture emerging opportunities in continental trade.
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