Lagos State Government has assured the business community of its commitment to simplify the process of doing business in the State by strengthening the regulatory environment designed to fast-track business growth.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 17th annual International Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association. He said his administration would ensure that businesses operate within the ambit of established rules and standards.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to State Government (SSG) ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said government regulations were aimed at promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in the marketplace in addition to protecting the interests of all stakeholders.
The Governor, who admitted that Nigeria has a diverse and dynamic economy that is full of opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, also acknowledged that there were internal and external global challenges making it difficult for businesses to thrive.
He said, “As a government, the developmental policy objectives and road map of my administration, which is tagged “T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS” is designed to transform Lagos State into a more modern and sustainable metropolis, with a special focus on transportation and traffic management, health and the environment, education and technology, entertainment and tourism, security and governance, and sustainable social investment”.
He explained that the addition of “PLUS” to the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda is an expression of Government conscious resolve to intentionally pay special attention to issues of youth development, gender equality and social inclusion of all residents and those doing business in the state.
He solicited Nigerian Bar Association’s partnership to create a conducive environment for growth, innovation, and better lives for all citizenry prosperity and sustainability in Lagos State.
He also expressed optimism that the theme of the conference: “The Nigerian Business Landscape – Priorities for Law, Policy and Regulation”, would produce recommendations that will help to align Nigerian laws and practices in harmony with changing global realities.
The President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Y.C Maikyau, SAN, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Host and others for their support of the conference. He implored participants to always strike a balance between business, policies and regulations in the business landscape in Nigeria.
The Keynote Speaker and World Bank Director in Nigeria, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri noted that no country has succeeded in eliminating poverty without a basic rule of law to ensure law and other, basic infrastructure and investment in human capital across board.
He, therefore, called for more private investment in the nation’s economy.
