Lagos, stakeholders strategise for economic growth

File Copy: Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George,

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The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, sustainable and resilient economic growth.

This was stated on Wednesday at the third Economic Roundtable Discourse, organised by the Economic Intelligence Department, under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.

The event, with the theme “Building Forward: Unlocking Emerging Sectors for an Inclusive, Resilient, and Prosperous Lagos Economy,” was held at the Protea Hotel, CBD, Ikeja.

Top government officials, business leaders, academics and development partners were in attendance to deliberate on strategies to position Lagos as Africa’s most dynamic and equitable sub-national economy.

In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to implement data-driven and future-focused policies as it transitions into the 2026 fiscal cycle.

“This is not just a time to build back, but to build forward — stronger, smarter and more inclusive,” he said.

He highlighted the state’s focus on urban regeneration, the creative economy, and the ‘Omi-Eko Revolution,’ which seeks to transform Lagos’ waterways into a modern mode of transportation.

In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Olayinka Ojo, described the roundtable as “a strategic platform that sits at the intersection of evidence-based policymaking and Lagos State’s shared ambition for the future.”

She said sustaining the state’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties required deliberate innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

“Sustaining resilience requires more than momentum; it demands intentional planning, policy innovation and strong partnerships anchored in shared responsibility,” she said.

According to her, insights from the engagement will guide Lagos State’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, 2026 Budget, and future policy priorities.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Blue Economy, Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, in his presentation titled “The Omi Eko Revolution,” outlined the transformative impact of water-based transportation on Lagos’s economy.

“Lagos loses thousands of productive hours daily due to gridlock,” he noted. “Waterways offer immediate relief as an uncongested, underused transport asset.”

The governor’s aide highlighted that although 22 per cent of Lagos is covered by water, only a small fraction is utilised for transport.

The initiative, he said, would deploy electric and hybrid ferries that support the Lagos Climate Action Plan while improving safety and access for coastal communities.

He stressed the project’s strong backing by AFD, the European Union and the European Investment Bank.

Gbenga has been covering Metro, politics and education beats for two years as a print and digital journalist

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