The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite,on Friday led a delegation of prominent South-east business leaders on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector investors.
The Minister lauded the governor’s leadership and the remarkable strides his administration has made in advancing the development of Lagos State.
She said: “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.”
She stated that her visit was to first bring warm greetings and deep appreciation from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun for “your outstanding leadership and for the remarkable strides your administration continues to make — not only in advancing the development of Lagos State, but also in supporting the broader national agenda for economic growth and fiscal stability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.”
Stating further that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu particularly values the strong spirit of collaboration and partnership that Lagos has consistently shown toward the Federal Government through its pragmatic governance, forward-thinking reforms, and active cooperation on key initiatives such as the Lagos Green Line Metro Rail Project, “you have demonstrated that when the Federal and State Governments work together, progress is both achievable and sustainable,” Uzoka-Anite said.
She explained that the purpose of the visit was to comply with the Presidential directives, which instructs all the ministers to immediately commence engagement with relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring economic growth and development and to also inform the Governor about “an initiative we are very excited about — the Government and Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series.”
The first edition of the Dialogue Series she said will hold on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.
“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 for the challenges and opportunities before us.”
Uzoka-Anite explained further that the platform is built on trust, dialogue, and shared responsibility — where policy meets practice and where ideas are translated into concrete actions that drive inclusive growth.
“Through this Dialogue, we aim to strengthen understanding between policymakers and business leaders, identify barriers to investment, and co-create strategies that will enable Nigeria’s economy to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.”
She highlighted that the vision is to build a bridge — one that connects policy with practice and ambition with action.
“And, Your Excellency, there is no better place to start that bridge than right here in Lagos, the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria and indeed West Africa.”
She expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with Lagos State in hosting the inaugural edition, saying, “We therefore humbly seek your kind support and active participation, as well as that of your distinguished Commissioners for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, as well as Local Government Affairs, together with other key members of your team.
“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.”
Uzoka-Anite informed that the second purpose of the visit was to “tell you more about some of the distinguished business leaders from the South-east who are based here in Lagos and have graciously joined me on this visit.They are a shining example of the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit, 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.”
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, broadening access to finance, and strengthening partnership with the Lagos State Government on transformative business and regulatory reforms, the Minister noted, “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.”
“As we prepare for the first edition of the GPS Dialogue, we look forward to working closely with you and your team to make it a landmark event, one that sets the tone for constructive dialogue and real partnership across the country,” the minister said.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that his government will continue to partner with the Federal Government, captains of industry and indeed all relevant stakeholders with a view to improving the lives of Nigerians.
He thanked the minister for choosing Lagos to host the maiden edition of GPS while also reaffirming his administration’s support to all Nigerians to thrive with equity, justice and honesty.
The meeting of the prominent business leaders also requested for a closed-door session with the governor to discuss several initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration, development, and mutual prosperity between the Igbo community and the government.
One of these initiatives is the proposed establishment of a Lagos-Igbo Consultative Council.
