Ambode woos Indian investors for Lagos

Ambode made the remarks while receiving High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ajjanpor Ghanashyan  at the weekend in Lagos.

The governor emphasised that his administration is  determined  to  strengthen trade with India, adding that, he has created an Office of the Overseas Affairs and Investment, which under his supervision, to make the state more investor-friendly and safer.

“We have established Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, so that we can strengthen bi-lateral relationship. We need more investors to come into Lagos so that we can create employment and grow our GDP. Whatever it is you think we can do to increase investors from India, we are ready to talk,” he said.

The Governor expressed his appreciation to the visitors saying that Lagos could draw inspiration from India as a modern democracy and from the way the economy was conducted despite its huge population.

He assured the High Commissioner that the state is ready to expand its frontiers to accommodate investors willing to set up their businesses in the state.

“We are in dire need of a platform that allows for food security since this would further towards making robust achievement at transforming the lives of residents of the state, improve the economy of the State, increase the internally generated revenue, IGR, and translate to further employment opportunities for our unemployed youths” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode listed software technology, manufacturing as well as Agro and Agro-allied sectors as possible areas where such bi-lateral relations could be strengthened, assuring them that the state is safe, conducive and investor-friendly to accommodate new businesses and investors willing to partner with Lagos.

Earlier, High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ajjanpor Ghanashyan expressed the willingness of his country to partner with Lagos as it is the economic hub and capital of Nigeria as well as home to many India investments.

He informed the Governor that the crux of the visit was to invite him to address a delegation of 150 businessmen that would visit Lagos in the coming weeks on a mission to seek ways to strengthen bi-lateral trade between India and Lagos State.