Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger trade and investment partnerships between Lagos and Poland, describing both economies as natural allies with shared aspirations for growth, innovation, and prosperity.
The governor made the call at the inaugural Polish-Nigerian Economic Forum, organised by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Nigeria. The event, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together top government officials, diplomats, and business leaders from both countries.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu noted that strengthening economic ties with Poland would help position Lagos as a globally competitive hub for trade, investment, and innovation.
“As a government, we reaffirm our readiness to welcome investors, innovators, and partners from Poland to explore the limitless opportunities our State offers. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, driven by transparency, security, infrastructure, and the sheer dynamism of our people,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He praised Poland’s remarkable transformation into one of Europe’s most dynamic economies, stressing that Lagos recognises and appreciates Poland’s development journey. The governor expressed confidence that both sides have much to learn and build together, particularly in areas of mutual interest.
Sanwo-Olu outlined key sectors for collaboration, including:
• Infrastructure and urban development
• Energy and clean technology
• Digital economy and cybersecurity
• Transport and logistics
• Healthcare and medical equipment
• Agriculture and food processing
He highlighted Lagos’ economic strength, pointing out that with a population of over 22 million people, the state contributes more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and serves as the principal gateway to West Africa. He further noted that his administration is implementing the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, housing, healthcare, digitisation of government services, and the creative economy.
“This Forum is a bridge between Lagos, the heartbeat of Africa’s economy, and Poland, a rising force in Europe. Together, we can build enduring partnerships that will not only strengthen economic ties between our nations but also chart a new course of prosperity for our peoples,” he concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Mrs. Gertrude A. Orji, Director of Investment Promotion at the Ministry, said Nigeria is open for business and eager to strengthen collaboration with Poland.
She highlighted agriculture, agro-processing, infrastructure, oil and gas, renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology as areas where Poland’s expertise can complement Nigeria’s ambitions. Oduwole further explained that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is shifting from an oil-dependent economy towards a diversified, export-oriented model anchored on trade expansion.
In his remarks, the Ambassador-Designate of Poland to Nigeria, Michal Cygan, said the forum marks the beginning of a new chapter in Poland–Nigeria relations. He stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population and thriving technology sector present unique opportunities for collaboration.
Cygan also revealed that over 4,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in Poland, describing these people-to-people connections as the foundation of stronger bilateral relations.
Earlier, the Head of the Foreign Trade Office in Lagos, Justyna Sitarska, emphasised that Poland is ready and willing to deepen ties with Nigeria. She noted that only one per cent of Poland’s exports currently reach Africa, a figure she described as disproportionately low given Poland’s economic strength.
Sitarska said the statistic highlights untapped potential for growth, stressing that Poland sees Nigeria as a priority partner in expanding trade and investment links across the continent.
The forum ended with commitments from both sides to strengthen collaboration across critical sectors, with participants agreeing that the Lagos–Poland partnership could serve as a model for Africa–Europe economic cooperation in the years ahead.