The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has led a delegation of prominent South-East business leaders on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to strengthen partnerships between government and private investors.
The visit, which took place at Lagos House, Marina, marked a fresh phase in the Federal Government’s drive to build stronger ties with key economic players and state governments, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive, private-sector-driven growth.
Uzoka-Anite, who was accompanied by the delegation of top South-East entrepreneurs, commended Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, describing Lagos as “a city that never sleeps” and a shining model of innovation, enterprise and sustainable urban development.
“It’s always a pleasure to be in Lagos, a city that truly never sleeps and one that continues to lead the way in innovation, enterprise and economic growth,” the minister said.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, on Saturday, noted that the minister conveyed the greetings of the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and applauded the Lagos State Government’s unwavering support for the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda.
She said, “You have demonstrated that when the Federal and State Governments work together, progress is both achievable and sustainable. Lagos continues to show that pragmatic governance, forward-thinking reforms and cooperation can produce measurable growth.”
Explaining the reason for the visit, Uzoka-Anite said it was in line with President Tinubu’s directive for ministers to intensify engagement with stakeholders across the country.
She used the occasion to unveil a new initiative, the Government and Private Sector Dialogue Series, designed to institutionalise regular engagement between policymakers and business leaders.
“The idea behind the GPS Dialogue is simple but powerful: to create a regular, open space where government officials and private sector leaders can sit together, share perspectives, and design practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities before us,” she said.
Uzoka-Anite explained that the platform would serve as “a bridge connecting policy with practice and ambition with action,” with Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, serving as the starting point.
“There is no better place to begin this bridge than here in Lagos, the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and indeed West Africa,” she added.
The minister expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with Lagos State in hosting the inaugural edition of the dialogue.
She urged Sanwo-Olu and key members of his economic team, including the Commissioners for Finance, Economic Planning, Commerce, and Local Government Affairs, to play active roles in ensuring the success of the event.
“Your leadership and that of the Lagos State Government will go a long way in ensuring that the GPS Dialogue becomes a vibrant, impactful platform that truly reflects the partnership we want to see between government and business,” she said.
She further reaffirmed the FG’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, broadening access to finance, and creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation.
“Together, we share a common vision, to build a Nigeria where enterprise is encouraged, innovation is rewarded, and prosperity is within the reach of every hardworking citizen,” she noted.
Uzoka-Anite also introduced members of her delegation, describing them as “shining examples of Nigerian entrepreneurship.”
“They are people who have made Lagos their home and are contributing daily to its growth. Each of them represents a generation of business leaders who believe deeply in Nigeria’s potential and in the power of partnership with government,” she said.
The South-East business leaders later held a brief closed-door session with the governor to discuss initiatives that would strengthen collaboration and mutual prosperity between the Igbo business community and the Lagos State Government.
Among the proposals was the establishment of a Lagos–Igbo Consultative Council, which will serve as a formal platform for dialogue and partnership on commerce and social development.
In his response, Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on private sector engagement and pledged Lagos’s continued support for initiatives that promote investment and inclusive growth.
He described Lagos as a state built on diversity and resilience, noting that the government would continue to work with all stakeholders to promote equity, justice, and opportunity.
“Lagos will continue to partner with the Federal Government, captains of industry, and all relevant stakeholders to improve the lives of Nigerians,” the governor assured.
He also welcomed the choice of Lagos as host for the maiden edition of the GPS Dialogue, pledging his administration’s full cooperation to ensure its success.
The meeting between the Lagos State Government and Southeast business leaders comes against the backdrop of long-standing concerns over perceived hostility and strained relations between the Igbo community and sections of Lagos’ political and business establishment.
In the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, reports of alleged discrimination, intimidation, and targeted attacks on Igbo-owned businesses in parts of Lagos sparked public debate about ethnic relations and the inclusiveness of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The incidents, which drew condemnation from civil society groups and prominent Nigerians, raised fears of widening distrust between the Igbo business community, one of the largest contributors to Lagos’s economy, and state authorities.
By bringing together federal officials, Lagos policymakers, and prominent Southeast entrepreneurs, the renewed engagement led by the Minister of State for Finance represents a deliberate effort to bridge these divides and rebuild confidence among investors from the Southeast who have long made Lagos their economic base.
