Lagos: Governors of Abia, Imo, Nasarawa, and Plateau states on Monday showcased investment opportunities across key sectors at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit, seeking capital to accelerate economic growth. The governors presented these opportunities at the two-day summit with the theme ‘Lagos Business Gateway to Africa’, aiming to attract both local and foreign capital to drive economic development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit brought together policymakers, investors, development finance institutions, and business leaders to explore opportunities across key sectors of the economy. The governors also highlighted ongoing reforms and strategic projects aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting capital, and accelerating economic growth in their respective states.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State announced that the state had attracted more than $2.3 billion in investments and was hosting major lithium processing projects, positioning it as a key destination for mining and industrial investments. He described Nasarawa as a ‘one-stop shop’ for investors and called for deeper collaboration between federal and state governments to unlock economic opportunities.
Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State emphasized that reforms in electricity, roads, and industrial development had improved the state’s investment climate. He noted that key areas of the state now enjoy 24-hour electricity supply, while an energy-focused free trade zone is expected to attract additional investments. Uzodinma added that the state had expanded infrastructure through airport development and industrial park projects.
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State stressed that reliable electricity remained central to industrial growth and investor confidence. He stated that states should complement rather than compete with Lagos in attracting investments and driving national economic development.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State identified agriculture, tourism, and mining as major growth sectors in the state. He mentioned that Plateau remained a leading supplier of vegetables and potatoes to markets across Nigeria and West Africa. Mutfwang outlined plans for agro-processing zones, cold-chain infrastructure, and a livestock value chain targeting export markets, stating, ‘Plateau is open for business.’
Earlier, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State remarked that the summit was designed to position Lagos as a gateway to Africa’s 1.4 billion-person market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos had continued to invest in transport, housing, and technology infrastructure, including the Blue and Red Rail Lines, to strengthen its competitiveness. He also highlighted ongoing projects such as the Lagos International Financial Centre and major digital infrastructure investments, asserting, ‘If you want to reach Africa, Lagos offers the most viable route.’