The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, led a group of Southeast business leaders on a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation between the government and private sector investors.
During the visit, Dr. Uzoka-Anite praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and the progress made in Lagos State’s development. She conveyed greetings from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, acknowledging the state’s contributions to both local and national economic growth.
She stated: “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.”
Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments. “You have demonstrated that when the Federal and State Governments work together, progress is both achievable and sustainable,” she said.
The purpose of her visit included following presidential directives for ministers to engage with stakeholders to promote economic growth. She also introduced an upcoming initiative called the Government and Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series. The first session is scheduled for November 1, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel in 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,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite explained.
She added that this platform aims to foster trust and shared responsibility between policymakers and business leaders while working toward inclusive growth.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite highlighted plans for continued collaboration with Lagos State in hosting this event: “We therefore humbly seek your kind support and active participation… 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.”
She also introduced some Southeast business leaders based in Lagos who accompanied her on this visit. According to Dr. Uzoka-Anite: “They are a shining example of the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit… Each of them represents a generation of business leaders who believe deeply in Nigeria’s potential and in the power of partnership with government.”
The minister reaffirmed federal support for small- and medium-sized enterprises as well as ongoing regulatory reforms with Lagos State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu responded by expressing his administration’s commitment to continued partnerships with all stakeholders for improving lives across Nigeria. He thanked Dr. Uzoka-Anite for selecting Lagos as host city for the inaugural GPS Dialogue Series.
“Lagos State 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 said.
Business leaders at the meeting requested a closed-door session with Governor Sanwo-Olu to discuss initiatives such as establishing a Lagos-Igbo Consultative Council aimed at fostering further cooperation between communities.
As these collaborative efforts move forward among federal authorities, Lagos State officials, and Southeast business representatives, expectations remain high for future economic growth driven by joint initiatives.