Ehingbeti Magazine 2021
Ehingbeti Magazine 2021
Social & Economic Impact of the Summit pg. 43 T.H.E.M.E.S, Lagos and the Future .....................pg. ??
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EHINGBETI 2021 FIRESIDE CHAT
Welcome remarks ..........................................................pg. ?? Rebuilding Lagos ............................................................pg. ??
1
ROOTS: A DIVE INTO THE HISTORY
OF LAGOS ECONOMIC SUMMIT
GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT
Ehingbeti: A Symbol for
Socio-Economic Heritage
- By Dr Yemi Cardoso
OF EHINGBETI
Ehingbeti represents the economic heritage The area was the choice site of commercial The Ehingbeti Summit has over the years Six years later, precisely 2008, the conversation
of the Marina and Broad Street areas of Lagos piers, multinational conglomerates, old Lagos served as a beacon of change and helped transited to Transforming Lagos into Africa’s
State, which served as the springboard for Custom Quay and European settlement. shape the future of Lagos State through public Model megacity. In 2010, stakeholders
Nigeria and West Africa socio- economic discourse. converged to examine and develop strategies
development right from the time of European The virility and development of Lagos State for Investment opportunities in Africa’s
incursion in 1472 and the establishment of the is inextricably bound with Ehingbeti (Marina/ In 2000, the first edition ensured a gathering emerging model megacity – Lagos.
African Association in Lagos in 1884. Broad Street) as reflected in the common of policymakers and private sector leaders to
saying “B’oju o ba t’Ehingbeti oju ole t’Eko”. discuss accelerating economic growth through The 2012 edition came with a global appeal,
The Association embraced pioneer African This means so long as the maze of waterways private sector partnership in infrastructural FROM BRICS TO BRINCS: Lagos Holds The
merchant princes and European supercargoes is available for haulage of men, ideas and development. Key. Powering the Lagos Economy took the
who promoted the establishment of Lagos goods, so will Lagos continue to prosper as the centre stage in 2014.
civilizing role and the enterprising Lagos emporium of Nigeria’s economic and financial Conversations in the next two editions – 2001
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the doyen activities. and 2002 – moved around improving urban This year, the focus is on a progressive, futuristic
of West African business chambers. Indeed, development, economic growth and social outlook - For a Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone
Ehingbeti symbolises a glorious past and a Ehingbeti today is now known as the Lagos responsibility through effective partnership for the Next Decade.
future building block for Lagos and ECOWAS Economic Summit. in the city-state and building Lagos Megacity
economic growth based on greater Private and the Challenges of Economic Development.
Sector Participation (PSP). Geographically, it
is the waterway and adjoining lands stretching
from the Marina West (Alakoro/Apongbon) to
Iru Creek in Marina East (Onikan), with access
to Porto Novo and beyond in the west, and the
Lekki corridor in Lagos East.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
The Green Line, The Purple Line, and The Orange Line being advertised. Indeed, Ehingbeti has played very
significant roles in the development of Lagos.
In 2002, it was Lagos Megacity and the challenges of economic development, and as you see pictorial
representations of what we envisaged Lagos to look like. Again, it was about encouraging participation and
working together, and it was out of this summit that we talked about establishing The Disaster Management
Agency and LASAM bus was born for risk mitigation. So, when you see our emergency first respondents
In 2008, it was about transforming Lagos into Africa’s model city, the foundation of our vision which I just
read earlier, and it set the tone that we no longer compare ourselves with cities in Nigeria, but compare
ourselves with other cities around the world. It’s clear in our mind the kind of city that we want to build and
Since debuting in 2000 at the Lagos Tourist Resort, Akodo, there have been seven editions of the the challenges that come with trying to do that. This is why Ehingbeti continues to roll because we know
summit, with the following themes and achievements; that we cannot do these without partnerships.
- By Dr Yemi Cardoso (Lagos Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget) 2010 was investment opportunities in Africa’s emerging model city and 2012 was when we insisted that
we’d not allow it to be BRICS alone but we must introduce Nigeria into the mix for BRINCS. It was clear to
us that Lagos must play a pivotal role in this and that partnership was going to play a lot of role in making
that happen because Lagos wAs the gateway of the world into Nigeria controlling over 75% of the traffic
in and out of Nigeria, and it was also the gateway of Nigeria to the world.
Mr. Governor, Mr. Deputy Governor, I’d like to crave your indulgence to stand on existing protocol, for time. 2014 was about powering the Lagos economy and we became a leading light in the thoughts around
My job is simple today. It’s basically to take us through the journey of Ehingbeti and the past performance instituting an energy academy. We became leading lights when it came to driving an intermodal system
of The Ehingbeti Summit over time. and because this thing comes under review every year, we are now talking of a multi-modal transportation
system.
Ehingbeti represents the economic heritage of the Marina and Broad Street areas of Lagos State. It served
as the springboard for Nigeria and West Africa’s economic development since European incursion in 1472. So, what are the notable successes that have followed since then? I talked about the Lagos Blue Line
The strength and the development of Lagos is inextricably tied and bound to Ehingbeti. Since the first and the Red Line rail, a very monumental project and significant in many senses. Not any sub-national
Ehingbeti which took place in 2000 at The Eko Tourist Beach Resort Centre, Akodo at Ibeju-Lekki, there undertakes projects like these at the same time. In another two years, we believe that these two rail lines
has been seven (7) other summits since that time, and as the Yoruba saying goes, “B’oju o ba ti Ehingbeti, will begin to move and reduce the travel time by almost 250% for people coming from Agbado all the
oju o le ti Eko.” And for those of you who do not understand Yoruba like myself, what it literally means is way to Oyingbo, or from along the Expressway from Badagry all the way to Marina. The idea of the 4th
that if Ehingbeti is not shamed, then Lagos cannot be disgraced. As long as the waters continue to flow by Mainland Bridge also has its roots in Ehingbeti and the fact that we could combine to ensure that we drive
our Marinas, Lagos will continue to thrive. So long as the maze of waterways are available for the haulage of transportation infrastructure through private partnerships and the Deep Sea Ports were all part of this.
men, ideas, goods, so long will Lagos continue to prosper as the emporium of Nigeria’s economic activity.
In the education sector, we knew that at some point, we’d need to leverage technology and the Lagos Eko
Ehingbeti has stayed as a beacon of change and has helped shape Lagos State’s public discourse over time, Excel Project that was going to drive 450,000 study materials and equipment with our children at school
and this is the 20th anniversary of Ehingbeti, whether it is from 2000 where the theme was accelerating was going to be launched and this is currently operating. The Lagos Energy Academy as I said and the
economic growth through private sector partnerships in infrastructural development, or in 2008 where it is Agriculture-based Empowerment Scheme were all products of Ehingbeti.
transforming Lagos into Africa’s Model Megacity which really set the tone for our vision to become Africa’s
model city, an economic and financial hub that is safe, secure, functional, and productive, or in 2014 where Not to talk about the housing programmes and the Rent-to-Own programmes and the low interest cost
it was powering the Lagos economy, or even now, for a greater Lagos; setting the tone for the next decade, for funding mortgages all had its roots in Ehingbeti, but Ehingbeti was not just about government action.
and you’ll see that through all of these years, it has been about partnership, about working together. So, It was also about the partnership between government and private sector. So, when we speak out of
when we say, “Igbega ipinle, ajumose ni,” what we are saying is sounding again and again the message that Ehingbeti, the government responds, the private sector responds.
has come from past Ehingbetis to shape our future as we go.
So, that is why our own Sahara energy takes out and takes over Egbin in KEPCO to ensure that the entire
I’ll take us through the highlights of past summits from 2000 Ehingbeti when the theme was; Accelerating plan remains intact. That is why the government goes ahead to control the value chain around rice, and
economic growth through private sector partnerships in infrastructural development. Some of the begins to do the Imota Rice Mill. These are the stories of Ehingbeti.
highlights of what came out of that had to do with ensuring due process, transparency, and accountability
in governance, which is why we are not surprised when The World Bank comes and talks about state fiscal That is why we get the private sector to go ahead and do Alero City or Dangote to do the refinery.
sustainability and transparency in governance, Lagos State always hits the right scores and moves ahead, This is what Ehingbeti is about. It’s about that partnership. It’s about acting together. It’s about us acting
because Ehingbeti has put that as part of our culture all the time from the very beginning. It also brought individually, but towards the same objective of a greater Lagos. In this summit, we want to say to ourselves;
out the idea that we must have secured commitment from the state legislature and judiciary to establish Let’s set the tone for the next decade. It’s going to flag up the 30-year development plan for 2050. This
legal and regulatory frameworks to promote private sector participation and engagement, and Lagos has is a partnership dialogue to assess the collective intelligence of the people of Lagos, because we believe
continued to be leading light as far as frameworks and executive orders are concerned that shape the way that intelligence does not reside in one place. It is a combination of everybody, and the human resource
we interact with the private sector and the way the private sector interacts with us. and human capacity of Lagos must be put into play. Unlike other conferences, the resolution reached in all
of these conferences over the years in which it has run has been phenomenal and has been part of all our
In 2001, it was improving urban development, economic growth and social responsibility through effective plans going forward. We’ve had over 203 resolutions in part Ehingbetis. We’ve implemented 95% of them
partnerships and out of that came the establishment of the Lagos Security Trust Fund which we now have and that is the spirit of Ehingbeti.
today as a major partner in our security infrastructure. It also helps to promote the idea of the establishment
of Export Free Zones and SME industrial parks. So, when you see the Lekki Free Zone and you see the Mr. Governor, Mr. Deputy Governor, distinguished guests present here, I’d like to say to you that the future
Deep Seaport come out of it and you see Dangote Refinery, they all have their roots in Ehingbeti. It is out starts now and that is why we can actually say, “Igbega Eko ti di ajumose.” Thank you very much.
of the same Ehingbeti that we talked about the establishment of the urban transportation office which has
migrated and morphed into LAMATA from where you now begin to see The Blue Line, The Red rail line,
ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACHIEVEMENTS IN
THE TRANSPORTATION THE HOUSING SECTOR
SECTOR
• The Lagos Blue Line and Red • The Ilubirin Foreshore Estate
Line Rail Projects. Projects.
2
EHINGBETI
SUMMIIT 2021
WELCOME
country. The end result has so
far been seven (7) well-received
Ehingbeti Summits, 206 resolutions
of which 193 have been successfully
implemented, a strong culture of
public-private sector collaboration
in Lagos State and many, many
SPEECH
great achievements.
This great journey began in May 2000, when Lagos has witnessed appreciable
EHINGBETI broke new ground by becoming development over the past 10
the first economic summit held by a sub- years. In 2010, Lagos had a GDP of
national unit in Nigeria. It was the brainchild N12.091 trillion; 10 years later, the
of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the child of economy of Lagos has grown to
circumstance and necessity, initiated while the at least 5 times that. This growth
first Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was in GDP has been accompanied
barely one year in office and had inherited a I was honoured and privileged to be called I would also like to note that Ehingbeti by significant infrastructure development
Lagos that was glaringly creaking and coming upon to set up the ministry and to be its first contributed in no small measure to the trend of including the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, Eko
apart at the seams. It was clear that a new Commissioner. I am humbled as I recall the private sector experts deciding that serving in Atlantic and many others. Other sectors
paradigm for development was needed and passion and contributions of my staff and I government need not be anathema. From that such as housing and financial services have
the administration set about its task with gusto. in advocating for Ehingbeti; and, eventually period onwards, there have been more and also seen significant growth. The growth has
bringing it into being as a platform for more eminently capable private hands joined come with some employment opportunities
Several work groups comprising some of the enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, in the task of state and nation building. It is a and the financial sector has grown to meet
best and brightest from various walks of life especially from the private sector. The most trend I heartily commend. the increasing needs of the Lagos population.
were assembled and charged with fashioning eloquent recognition afforded our efforts The needs of the people are varied and it is
policy thrusts for the different sectors of the is the fact that so many other states in the We have held this summit successfully for over important that we not only create employment
economy. One of the recommendations that federation emulated our example by setting up two decades – indeed, this marks the 21st year for them but also find creative ways to
emanated from this was the setting up of a similar ministries, and in many cases, initiating since the Ehingbeti Summit commenced… empower them economically.
Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. economic development summits. certainly the longest by any sub-national in the
Lagos is a megacity and must begin to look to ensure that happens. I believe that as we
and operate like a megacity. That will only be explore the various topics during the summit,
possible if we deliberate about the plans and more insights will come on this.
WELCOME
policies we put in place to ensure that both the
public and private sector can achieve the set The youthful population in Lagos also means
goals and objectives meant to develop the city. that there will be a constant demand for
I believe we have the leaders with the know- affordable housing. Investment in low-cost but
how and we have the workforce. What we quality housing units is an area we seriously
need to do is provide the vision and guidance need to look into. The investors in the real
to make sure it happens. That is what this estate business need to work with the state
ADDRESS
summit is about. Bringing together the people on strategies and plans that can ensure that
that can give not just great insights but also the cost of housing is brought down to the
help us put together a road map for success, level that makes it affordable to the people
to ensure that this great city reaches its goal of of Lagos. It may require new technology and
being Africa’s pre-eminent city and one of the ways of building but we cannot overlook it if
best cities in the world. we really mean to solve the housing challenge
in Lagos. We have the experts with us for the
That is not to say, it’s going to be easy. Neither next 3 days to break down the issues and help
is it to pretend that there will not be challenges us clear a path that will lead us to success. Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
along the way. What we affirm is that whatever
the challenges we face, giving up is not an I hope this has given you an idea of why we are
option. We must keep on pushing till Lagos here today, and over the next couple of days.
reaches its deserved status in the world. Permit me to be unequivocal, we are here to
The importance of Lagos doing well to the discuss and find solutions that will make Lagos Your Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President and
economy of Nigeria is quite clear to everyone. the best investment destination in the world. Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
It is estimated that Lagos contributes about We want to put Lagos State back on the map Representatives of Presidents and Heads of States, Asiwaju
30% to Nigeria’s GDP. What that means is if as the Headquarters for businesses in West Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader, All Progressives
Lagos does well, Nigeria will do well. The Africa and Africa. We plan for this summit to Congress, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Member of the
success of Lagos is therefore not just a Lagos be highly interactive with plenary sessions Diplomatic Community Chief Executives and Captains of
issue but a national issue. As a country, we and discussion forums that allow the public to Industry, Distinguished Speakers, Guests, Youths, Ladies and
must do whatever is possible to ensure that contribute their opinions to the discussions. Gentlemen.
Lagos realises its inestimable potential and
drives economic growth in Nigeria. Key areas we will touch on during this summit It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the 8th edition
include how to make Lagos the world’s best of Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti). Our focus this
There are several opportunities we can harness investment destination, how to strengthen year is “For a Greater Lagos: Setting the tone for the next
in Lagos. We have a very youthful population, governance institutions and legislation, driving decade.” The Summit was originally planned to take place in
and this serves as a good opportunity to drive a digital economy in Lagos, how to develop November 2020, but the fallout of the #ENDSARS protests
entrepreneurship and growth of small-scale the human capital in Lagos, how to fund the caused it to be rescheduled, until now.
industries. There are examples like Silicon resultant growth in a sustainable way and how
Valley in San Francisco which has not only to ensure Lagos remains resilient and achieves This also happens to be the first edition of the Summit
contributed to California but also the United the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). happening against the backdrop of the Coronavirus
States of America, and ultimately the whole pandemic. Here is a pandemic that has disrupted life in every
world in terms of driving new enterprise, Let me welcome you once again and request country in the world, and ushered in truly unprecedented
especially in the area of technology. How do that we all participate keenly to ensure that times, where physical contact with family and friends could
we develop a model like that? I believe the we have a successful summit, but most be a source of debilitating illness, and where our places of
discussions during this summit will give us a importantly, that we end the summit with worship and community interactions have been upended.
clearer understanding of what needs to be insights and opportunities that would change
done. the outlook of Lagos going forward. I wish all a Even before the pandemic, the 21st century was rapidly and
successful summit. dramatically changing the way we work and live, and amid all
With our youthful population also comes the ensuing volatility, complexities and ambiguities, we have
the need for education. Investment in the God bless Lagos State, God bless the Federal been seeing a widening disparity between the haves and
infrastructure required to ensure that our Republic of Nigeria and God bless you all. the haves not. Now the pandemic has come to accelerate
children are not only well educated, but that the disruption.
they also have access to all the associated Thank you.
opportunities within the educational sector. Our growing youth population are disillusioned, their future
When I say well educated, what I mean is and prospects for jobs are in question. We must all be
bridging the gap between the high-end distressed by this state of affairs, living as people with no
schools and the lower-end schools, to ensure hope or inspiration should never be an option for our young
that there is a minimum standard set across people. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, in the
Lagos state. This is something we can do midst of every adversity lies an abundance of opportunities;
and it requires that we start thinking about it all depends on how we choose to view things. We are
emerging from the most significant act of this conference: Africa’s second largest economy, after Nigeria? will Lagos State look like by 2030? There will
economic destruction that Lagos has witnessed be a city-wide network of colour-coded Metro
in decades, combined with the effects of being • We are the largest city in Nigeria and the 7th • The fact that the last two decades of Lines, the first two of which – Red and Blue – will
the national epicenter of a stubborn pandemic. fastest growing city in the world, and the gold unbroken democracy have seen much move over 34.5million people monthly, cutting
Yet Lagos has always been a beacon of hope in factor that sets us above the rest is of course evidence of material progress in Lagos. In travel time by over 250%. In 2030 Lagos will
Nigeria, the sheer tenacity and audacity of the our human capital: their entrepreneurial terms of Transportation infrastructure, we have proudly stand beside every other Megacity in
Lagosian spirit has over the centuries created energy, optimism and ability to pull together. the construction of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, the world, in terms of its capacity to transport
vast opportunities for entrepreneurship and Lekki/Ikoyi Link Bridge, Pen Cinema Bridge, its people efficiently and responsively. Our
innovation. The challenge for us is to ensure • Our citizens’ unwavering confidence in our Agric Isawo Road, The International Airport water transportation systems will by 2030 be
we never forget our indomitable spirit to leadership comes with the charge to develop Road; and very recently, the flag off of the a central element of life in the Megacity, and no
emerge out of adversity better and stronger. and implement long-range Development plans Regional and Ibeju Lekki-Epe Roads, together longer a marginal asset. The Fourth Mainland
We must continue to maintain and nurture our for transformational change in the State. This with over 10,000Km of road networks, ramps Bridge will come to define the cityscape of the
audacious hope, and the intention to always is indeed demonstrated by the relatively very and junction improvements. We have seen the 2020s in the same way the Lekki-Ikoyi Link
bounce back from adversity and build back high standard of political stability in the state. regeneration of several parts of the Metropolis, Bridge defined it a decade earlier.
better and boldly. with one of the more high-profile ones being
• The fact that we have continued to invest the Lagos Island Central Business District. Going beyond just having the transportation
The theme for this year looks out over the next in, and improve on our legal and regulatory infrastructure systems that a megacity of this
decade, the 2020s. But to properly understand mechanisms, including alternative dispute • Over the last two decades, we have seen status deserves, we will ensure that all of these
the Lagos of the future, we must look back at resolution options together with improved the construction of five (5) Independent systems are interconnected and truly multi-
the past, and trace the journey we have made judicial infrastructure. We regularly issue new power plants in Akute, Island, Alausa, Lekki modal in nature; that the roads, waterways and
to where we are today. laws and executive orders to strengthen the Peninsula and Lagos Mainland. We are national rail are integrated and operating in synergy to
frameworks that underpin the ease of doing trailblazers in this regard and are determined to bring maximum benefit and comfort to the
Today’s Lagos has seen so many revolutionary business. explore efficient alternative sources in meeting reatest number of commuters.
changes to usher in a new era of prosperity; the energy needs of Lagosians. In 2030, Lagos will be a Smart City, fully
reflected in improved infrastructure, economy, • Our demographic and geographical covered by a network of several thousands
and security. We are still confronted with many endowments: over 22 million people, Sea Ports • We have also built over 5,000 units of houses of kilometers of fibre optic infrastructure that
challenges, no doubt, but it is also important that control over 75% of Nigerian imports, and delivered them under the home ownership will carry broadband internet into our homes,
to identify the progress so we can guard it a 180km coastline and the busiest airport in scheme. offices and schools and unleash a technology
jealously and build on it. West Africa, Lagos is one huge and accessible revolution that has never before been seen in
market within the West African Economic zone, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, this part of the world. The Smart City that is
Let me seize this opportunity to quickly remind and well positioned for the African Continental I now invite you to join me to look ahead at unfolding will also be home to a network of
us of what makes Lagos tick; the very essence Free Trade Area agreement. Need I remind us the next decade, and the possibilities that lie intelligent cameras that will support not only
of that greatness we are gathered to discuss at that, were Lagos a country, it would be West ahead for Lagos State. In other words, what security and policing across the State, but also
traffic management and data collection for We have so much to celebrate, but there is
urban planning. also so much to be done, and we are driven
As you all know, land is not a resource we are by a sense of urgency on the enormous task
generously endowed with in Lagos – we are ahead to build the Lagos of our dreams. The
the smallest State in Nigeria by land mass, remarks from Dr. Yemi Cardoso, Co-Chair of
with by far the largest population. Yet this the Lagos Economic Summit Group (LESG),
should not be an excuse for us to shy away and the ‘Ehingbeti 2021’ Steering Committee,
from exploiting the agriculture value chain to have touched very eloquently on the many
the fullest, with a focus on non-land-intensive opportunities Lagos presents for harnessing:
aspects like processing and value addition. By in technology and innovation, infrastructure,
2030, Lagos will be home to one of the largest youth empowerment, and in attracting
Rice Mills in the world, in Imota. We can still investment from around the world and
aspire, even with our geographical limitations, positioning ourselves as the economic center
to feed ourselves and the rest of the country, of West Africa and even Africa.
through the innovative use of technology and
a focus on processing and industry. Our Administration’s agenda – T.H.E.M.E.S –
In terms of private sector development, represents six strategic pillars of development
we have the Lekki Free Zone rising on the focused on Traffic Management and
eastern flank of the city, with the mixed-use Transportation, Health and Environment,
Alaro City as a flagship investment. Nearby Education and Technology, Making Lagos a
are the Dangote Refinery, which will be the 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and
largest single-train Refinery in the world, and a Tourism as well as Security and Governance
Petrochemical Plant, as well as the Lekki Deep to help harness the full potential of Lagos and
Sea Port, which will be Nigeria’s biggest and shape the State into a competitive megacity in
most important Deep Sea Port. this new decade.
On the western flank of the City, the ongoing
road construction along the Lagos-Badagry The Ehingbeti Summit has been a long-
Expressway will open up new opportunities standing platform for driving conversations
for investment in residential, commercial and and generating insight about developmental
industrial real estate, similar to what we have policies and projects that drive growth and
seen in the Lekki Corridor over the last two prosperity for Lagosians. I am enthusiastic
decades. The opportunities for tourism are about this Summit’s outcomes and how these
going to be immense as well, and there is no initiatives can be implemented to make Lagos
doubt that Lagos can and will turn Nigeria into State transform from a Megacity to a Smart
an African tourist magnet. city during the course of this new decade.
Cultural tourism is far from being the only
possibility that beckons. We see the potential I look forward to the goodwill messages,
for becoming a hub of medical tourism as keynote speeches and conversations that will
well, with the increasing wave of investment in take place over the next three days.
healthcare infrastructure that we are seeing in
the State. Once again, thank you and welcome to the
If we keep up the pace, by 2030 there will be Ehingbeti Summit 2021.
a steady influx of people from West Africa and Let’s together Build the Lagos of our Dream
beyond coming to Lagos to take advantage
of state-of-the-art hospitals. We are pushing
ahead with plans to develop, in partnership
with the private sector, a Medical Park that
will offer world-class medical and diagnostic
services in Ikoyi.
PRESIDENT
MUHAMMADU
BUHARI
GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
GOODWILL
economic stability and good quality of life.
MESSAGES
the state.
Setting the tone for a Greater Lagos in the next The United Arab Emirates acknowledges the
decade rests on Public-Private Partnerships. It is critical role Lagos plays in the trade partnership
crucial to creating jobs for the future, expanding between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
the economic recoveries of Lagos State and Blessed with great potential, we recognise the
helping to tackle the issues of the pandemic and leadership roles of Lagos as Nigeria’s economic
climate change. The youth should have a say in capital. This comes with the need to explore the
all of these and the design of great plans for the potential and ensure the realisation of set goals
future. for the Lagos Economic Summit 2021. The UAE
The British High Commission is committed to supports these aspirations just as we seek out
supporting Lagos State in the drive to tap into its ways to deepen existing relations.
abundant talents and target corporate business Despite the debilitating effects of COVID-19
opportunities and investments. Enhancing on global economies, Lagos continues to soar
Financial Future Access, one of the High resiliently and drive its vision of a Greater Lagos.
Commission’s special programmes is making We commend this spirit and congratulate the
access to mobile money seamless. Through the Government and people of Lagos for organising
Future City programme, the High Commission this summit.
is working with the Lagos State Waterways
Authority to take traffic off Lagos roads.
As socio-economic conversations take centre
stage, the High Commission expresses readiness
to help Lagos attract investments from the United
Kingdom and support the state’s ambitious
future plans.
1 Economic
Integration
2 Self
Reliance
3 Vibrant Civil
Societies
to keep the
Government
accountable
4 Africa to be
at peace with
itself
5 Diversified
Economy
6 An Africa that
would be able
to feed itself
7 Develop
a Green
and Digital
and feed others
Economy
8 More Inclusive
Societies
9 Removal of
Gender Issues
Dr Okonjo-Iweala: Lagos has a critical role to play in the industrialisation of Nigeria. Nigeria. The state
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweaka, Director must venture into taking advantage of the big market to make Nigeria not just a consumer centre but
a big manufacturing centre that exports finished goods to other countries. Lagos must also focus on
General, World Trade Organisation the creative arts sector to unleash potentials for its critical developmental role. Lagos can explore the
creation of medical tourism hubs in specialised areas to complement other African countries working
on the same, for example Ghana.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu: What has the journey been like so far? Gov. Sanwo-Olu: What are the pitfalls to avoid to make Lagos become more competitive globally?
Dr Okonjo-Iweala: Lagos needs to be more audacious in the next decade to achieve the Greater Lagos
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: It has been a fantastic time though difficult with anxiety and dream. Be innovative and proactive by trending with the dynamics of the future - Artificial Intelligence,
uncertainty. Thanks to Mr. President and all Nigerians for their incredible support and tapping into the digital economy and e-commerce. Just like Korea, Lagos must ensure broadband
encouragement, noting that now is the opportunity to showcase what Nigeria and Africa can access everywhere to be a functional smart city-state. Lagos must invest in the infrastructure of the
do in such an international position. It will be very challenging but I feel ready as everyone future – telecommunications, steady and sustainable electricity supply, green economy, renewable
says in every challenge there is an opportunity so it will involve seeing what can be done energy. We must get our infrastructure right - infrastructure of the future. We must work towards
with counties around the world. providing steady sustainable energy, particularly green and renewable energy. Lagos must provide
venture capital to SMEs to grow businesses and promote entrepreneurship.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu: Sitting back and looking forward, what in your opinion will Gov. Sanwo-Olu: What advice do you have for gender balance and youth development for the next
a successful Africa look like and where do you think Lagos can sit in that context? decade?
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: A successful Africa should look at its demographics. With 60 Dr Okonjo-Iweala: Proud of Nigerian and African women for their capacity to multitask. Women
percent of our population that is 30 years old and younger, Africa must worry about job must however be given a bigger platform to operate. Global statistics have shown that we are still
creation. A successful Africa is one that is able to create decent and meaningful jobs for its far away from gender parity. Men must decide to deliberately empower women by giving them the
teeming youthful population with peculiar needs. This will help to prevent social dislocations needed opportunity. Lagos has done quite well in this regard, however the state should do more with
and unrest. Africa must move out of being exporters of raw materials to value-adding and championing the creation of opportunities for women to thrive better. Similarly, there is a need to
processing hubs to be able to compete globally. make room for the youth to unleash their potential and take up leadership positions.
Issues And
Challenges
Lagos has always been a city with great sporting and
entertainment heritage, but the city has forgotten
its roots and is losing its heritage.
· Lagos has at least 5 stadia, but the State does not
have a football team. Lagos has the infrastructure
and the people but is not taking advantage of what
it has.
· The lack of political alignment between the
Government in the State and the Government at
the Federal Level as an issue. Due to the difference
in political affiliations between the Lagos State
Government and the Federal Government between
1999 - 2015, policies by the State Government
were stifled at the Federal level. This has however
changed since 2015.
· Political appointments in the state should be
made based on competence.
· Non-digitalisation of government services.
· High volume of imported used cars in the
country cannot encourage the growth of the local
car manufacturing industry.
· No enabling business environment for both
local and foreign investment
Conclusions and
Recommendations
Government can only increase trust in citizens by
carrying out its mandate.
Government must act as a dependable, reliable and
trustworthy entity.
Government and the governed must stand for the
truth and hold on to the principles of good character
and competence.
Involvement of civil society organisations in the
monitoring of projects.
The goal of Lagos becoming the world’s best investment destination is quite ambitious given the Citizens must understand the societal rights
calibre of cities that Lagos will have to compete against. Lagos offers several advantages: a large and responsibilities bestowed on them by the
population, a very young population, it is the seventh fastest-growing city in the world, it accounts Constitution.
for 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and 90% of Nigeria’s foreign trade. Culture and tradition can sometimes act as a
Investors have traditionally made investment decisions based on tax rates, ease of doing business, hindrance to development. Children must be raised
ease of land acquisition, access to data on titles, security, political stability and the friendliness of to imbibe good ethics and values from home to
government policies and frameworks. school – integrity, humility etc.
There is a new thinking where the focus is not on what countries can offer but on what sub- The state must adopt a common set of values that
nationals and cities can offer to investors. Lagosians will hold sacred.
Our society used to be open but are now closed
and militarised. An open society engenders shared
values and purpose.
Citizens must be at the heart of all government
plans and policies because public office holders are
serving at the behest of the citizens.
Government needs data to plan and should seize
every opportunity to request relevant data from
Citizens.
The channels of communication already in use
by the Government e.g. Citizensgate, Radio, TV,
Leaflets should be upscaled.
Government must understand and concede that
peaceful protest is another way of hearing the
Citizens.
Local Governments need to be more involved as a
tier of government and more accessible to Citizens.
Government must not only allow Citizens to
express themselves but also listen.
Government is advised to be fair and treat all
based on equity and merit.
Lagos must move from a Megacity to a Smart city.
Town Hall meetings should be localized and
decentralized to Local Government Areas.
Public Advocacy and enlightenment through every
available media platform.
Government must change the perception of
inclusion. Every Citizen must feel involved.
There must be an open, accessible medium of
communication.
The Ehingbeti Summit is a good example of robust
government-citizen engagement with positive
impact over the years.
Public engagement must be transparent, sustained
and relevant.
Government must listen and pay attention to the
aspirations of its Citizens (young and old).
Government must engage through non-partisan
and non-political programmes.
Broken collaborative bridge must be re-erected.
Conclusions and Existing political apathy of the Youth must be
addressed.
Moderator:
Mr. Lere Odusote: Hon Commissioner, Energy &
Mineral Resources, Lagos State
Background
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) — as well Conclusions and
as the imperative and prospect for the digital
economy characterized by the fusion of the digital,
biological, and physical worlds, and the growing
Recommendations
utilization of new technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, among Digital Lagos must be driven by Fibre Optics and
others must be leveraged on. There is need for Broadband.
Lagos State Government to usher in technology that To be fully digitalized, there is a need for Smart
would enable the State become a technologically- Application devices.
driven economy where all facets of the State will For Government policies to be fully enabling, the
have a mainstream of functional infrastructure, following provisions should be made:
total availability of devices, disband all barriers to A digital hybrid in the 5 divisions of Lagos State
access to information in order to entrench the first broken into smaller pockets of specific delineation.
pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda – Technology and Adopt technology in all Government Businesses. e.g
Education. Go paperless.
Regulators to consciously create awareness of value
Issues and Challenges proposition to encourage customers to digitize
The relationship between Regulation and Market payments.
[Link] reliability of the source of information Reduction in Broadband cost to promote increased
utilized in the formulation of Policies, Rules and household access to the internet.
[Link] issues arising from Regulation Internet access in schools to ensure Digital Literacy.
include the Rights of Women, Children particularly Identification of several Talents on the internet ready
the Girl Child, Gender-based issues in view of the to teach the Youths.
significant percentage of the female population in
The State Government needs to critically build a
Lagos [Link] accountability in assigning
Broadband of Talents that can attend to the Supply
[Link] and the disadvantaged in society.
side of the curve.
Government bureaucracy in a digitised world.
Government should collaborate with stakeholders as
Multiple Agencies of Government at the three (3)
revenue enablers and discourage multiple taxation.
tiers providing same services to the public. eg.
Identify and understand clusters in the State for
FRSC, LASTMA and LG Road Marshalls. How do we
specific Digitization. e. g. Shomolu [Printing Hub],
continue to build out Lagos especially in financial
Ikeja [Digital Hub], Victoria Island [Adverts Hub]
transactions? e. g. markets are still cash oriented.
etc.
How can we effectively protect Citizens from fake
Promote Digital Entrepreneurship, link Hotspots
news and ill effects of Technology? What actions
with Broadband e. g. Schools, Hospitals, LGAs.
are needed to coordinate the initiatives of the
There must be regulation of Technology and the
government towards an enabling environment?
regulators must understand what to regulate.
Government should avoid being a “leaking basket” –
to complete and showcase projects.
Government should adopt community-focused
Discussants:
Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; Managing Director & CEO,
Airtel Nigeria
Mr. Tomi Davies; Chief Investment Officer, GreenTec
Capital Partners
Mr. Iyin Aboyeji; Future Africa
Funke Opeke; CEO MainOne Ltd
Moderator:
Prof. Yinka David-West; Academic Director, Lagos
Business School
Digital Transformation Solutions for Moderator:
Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu, MD/CEO, Citibank Nigeria Conclusions and
Smart Cities
Limited.
Background Recommendations
Digital Transformation is often viewed as an
It is important to: Ensure access To quality health
Discussants: implementation of digital technologies in all areas
services in all divisions of Lagos State.
Prof. Alexander Shermansong, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Service, New York University; of Business in order to build more sustainable
Digitize government services.
Yemi Saka, Partner & West Africa Consulting Leader, Deloitte; relationships and better understand the needs of
Build on local content for transferable skills.
Prof. Yinka David-West, Associate Dean & Professor of Information Systems, Lagos Business School/ customers. It is the force that moves businesses
Address traffic congestion in order to make the city
Pan-Atlantic University; forward. A Smart City uses technology to provide
more enabling for travel and tourism.
Mrs Nkemdilim Begho, CEO, Futuresoft services and solve city problems. For Lagos State, it
Deepen collaboration between the government and
is expected that areas like transportation must have
Telcos as businesses are effectively done on their
Moderator: improved accessibility, improved social services,
technical systems.
Mrs. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu MD/CEO Citibank. promote sustainability and give its citizens a Voice.
Facilitate digital literacy as education is critical in
driving smart cities.
Enable the use of text messages to access medical
attention.
Set up emergency call centres to link up with needed
activities.
Background Secondary School Exit Programme:
Innovation enhances the uptake of technology for PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC] and KPMG did
socio-economic development. With initiatives such an online experiment to employ secondary school
as The Hub Activation, young adults can engage, leavers for 5 years and they integrated seamlessly.
collaborate and address germane technological/ This should be revolutionized in the State.
innovation matters arising in the society. Innovation should be in the context of measurable
Innovation is at the core of infrastructural policies to improve service and provide for the over
development in Lagos State. The Ikoyi Link Bridge, 20 million residents of Lagos. Innovate to improve
recommended at an earlier Ehingbeti session, is hours spent in traffic for example, measuring
a notable example. Perhaps, the proposed 4th the movement from the 1st to the 2nd Industrial
Mainland Bridge will keep the legacy. Technological Innovation Revolution in Lagos.
. The Lagos Art of Technology [AoT] Summit parading
Moderator:
Mrs. Thelma Ekiyor, Managing Director, [Link]
Background
Inequality limits the realization of potential. The
social problem stifles contributions that can
Equality for All: The engender growth and development in any society.
Lagos isn’t spared the trouble of inequality. What
Role of Youths
are the measures that can address inequality in the
state? What’s the role of the Ministry of Women
Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in all of
and Women these?
Panelists/Co-Chairs:
Hon. Bolaji Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for
Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)
Ms. Ulla Mueller, UNFPA Resident Representative
Ms. Comfort Lamptey, Country Representative, UN
Women, Nigeria
Dr. Anino Emuwa, Avandis Consulting
Ms. Hafsat Abiola, President, Women in Africa
Initiative
Conclusions and Stratification of pricing for healthcare according to
income bracket.
Recommendations
Digitization of processes to allow faster access to
healthcare delivery.
Target communication to reach specific people at
Integrated health system and standard. These any point in time.
provisions will propel the increase of medical Implanting a sustainable resource mobilization
income. approach for the State Healthcare delivery system
Formulation of health policies to strengthen the is crucial, despite limited resources. How can the
health sector. For any policy to be effective, it should state go about this;
involve transformation and allow for, increase in Having a policy of prioritizing Healthcare.
Medical Personnel and Improvement and increase Making efficient use of allocated resources.
in Infrastructural facilities in the sector. Healthcare allocation should be increased.
The Private Sector should be encouraged to invest Raising focus on expenditure management.
in the Health Sector and incorporated into the Strengthening relationships with donor partners to
Public-Private Partnership scheme. improve Healthcare delivery
There is a need for inclusive Health Insurance for all. Discouraging corruption.
Conflicting Government Policies does not encourage Making policies and directions work in the sector
Private Sector participation, therefore the Private demands the following steps;
Sector should be carried along in Policy formulation Various constraints should be looked into at all
and changes. levels.
Ease of doing business should be improved and Democratization of accessibility to health care
incentives should be provided e.g. provision of land should be considered.
and ensuring that Primary Healthcare institutions Current direct investment should be improved
are functioning optimally. upon and encouraged. There should be some
Shaping The Future Of Health Lagos State should leverage technology to achieve collaborative efforts with all arms of Government
better Healthcare Delivery. The state can achieve and the Private Sector.
this by: Areas requiring incentives and support
Panelists/Co-Chairs: Background Creating a well-publicized awareness at the Long term funding for the health sector.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, Hon. Commissioner, Min. of With a population surpassing the 20 million mark, grassroots level as this is an essential tool for Innovative, disruptive solutions.
Health Lagos requires a functional and well-funded sensitization and advocacy. This would enable Constitution of the right legislative/regulatory
Mrs. Clare Omatseye, MD JNC International healthcare system. citizens to become more aware of the types of framework.
Mr. Abasi Ene-Obong, Founder 54 Genes How can the city-state achieve this? Raising healthcare available to them. Creation of incentives to attract business persons in
Mr. Tosin Runsewe, CEO AFYA Care Nig Ltd investments for Lagos’ healthcare sector through a There is a need to upskill and reskill: research and the Diaspora.
Ms Judy Varndell, Executive Director Kukuza Inc Public-Private Partnership system can simplify the ·
development should be encouraged to predict Improvement of the ease of doing business.
Dr. Caroline Jehu-Appiah, Deputy Director, Bill process for the Government. diseases and cure. Workability of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary
&Melinda Gates Foundation Telemedicine should be encouraged. Healthcare.
Ms. Deola Alli, CEO OneHealth Nigeria Adherence to prescriptions should be encouraged. This demands the following;
In order to achieve the state’s Health Financing Reduction of cost.
dream, the following provisions are essential: Improve existing infrastructure and building more
Moderator: The people should be ready to pay for health and Creation of a working standard.
Dr Fisayo Okusanya services.
Managing Director, The Education
Partnership Centre (TEP Centre).
Dr Modupe Adefeso-Olatunji,
Moderator
•
Conclusions and Recommendations
•
Participants made the following contributions during the session: • Government should build
strong visibility and perception
• It is essential that value should be placed on the activities of the initiatives to appeal to potential
informal sector to enable them access credit facilities. local
and foreign partnerships.
One of the major concerns of achieving the Lagos have obtained university education, 14% hold diplo- • Engaging expert stakeholders to create soft skills training content
of our dreams is the high rate of unemployment ma certificates and 66% possess secondary school and upload online. • Introduction of experiential
among the youths. Tackling this social problem certificates. learning, by placing emphasis on
requires encouraging the youth to adopt relevant • Government should integrate the roles of the Ministries of in-school and off-school training.
21st century skills, keep them gainfully engaged and 32% of the labour force in Lagos State are self- Education and Wealth Creation & employment to give a wholesome
close unemployment gaps. employed. The mass of young people who need a educational system that would create opportunities for the youth with • Advocacy for young people
job still require the right skills to either be gainfully 21st century skills. to know the skills required by
Today, some challenges hinder the process of employed or start their own businesses. employers.
meeting the manpower needs of organisations. • Collaboration between the Public and Private sectors.
How do we harness the contributions of both the With Lagos serving as the hub for the transfer of • Building financial inclusion to
Public and Private Sectors and provide solutions? Information Technology Skills across Nigeria, Africa • Holistic review and harmonization of educational curriculum. ensure youths have access to
and the world in general, how fast can it close the Review of the educational curriculum to reflect digital skills and con- credit facilities.
The demography of Lagos State demography gap of unemployment for the next generation using tent creation.
comprises a teeming youth population. 13% of them 21st Century Skills? • Building financial inclusion to
• Collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Wealth ensure youths have access to
Creation for the integration of soft skills in the educational curriculum. credit facilities.
• Digital Economy: • Making Lagos Attractive To Investors
One of the problems of the Nation and indeed Lagos - Government should consider the following actions
State was the burgeoning young population which to make the State more attractive to investments:
needed to be engaged, have jobs and contribute * Enforcement of law and order (security)
to the economy. On the other hand, the youth have * Restructuring of its finances
created investment opportunities around technolo- * Transparency and accountability in terms of
gy. Nigeria has become a magnet for tech investors its financials
especially in the Fintech space. Renewable energy * Identification of areas of interest of investors
research could also solve the Nations intractable * Sustainability and securitization
power problems. * Presenting itself as having the streams of
income/cash flows that can service the loans
• Commitments from the Bank of Industry: * Positioning from a Governance perspective.
The BOI is keen on supporting intelligent young The “G” in the Environmental, Social, and
men and women in Nigeria to develop applications Governance (ESG) Criteria is critical to
and programmes that are winners all over the world. attracting long term funding.
Technology hubs are being constructed in every
State of the Federation to this effect. Also, BOI is
willing to fund State Government Projects to the • Digitise Lagos
range of $200-300M.
- The Residents Registration should be continued
as an effective way to gather data on Citizens. The
• The new curriculum should emphasize skills ac- • Commitment of the State to develop a durable
quisition such as critical thinking, infrastructure.
• innovation, creativity, and leadership at the pri-
mary and secondary school levels with the ob- • Develop more mono-discipline, Tertiary Institu-
jective of making them terminal exits and tions through policies that would incentivise pri-
tertiary education being optional. vate sector participation.
• Encourage and incentivize investments in the
• Frequency of training and assessment of teach- education sector.
ers should be increased and tailored towards
the new vision of the State for its primary and
secondary schools.
Lagos has a lot of challenges and opportunities in climate change and people from all over the world
agriculture. The State has the largest youth popula- enter Lagos on a daily basis.
tion in Nigeria, the smallest land mass which is likely
to shrink in the next couple of years as a result of
Recommendations
Big ideas that Lagos can adopt to set the tone • Women empowerment should be made a
for the next decade and achieve the Lagos of our priority.
dreams:
• Food reserves should be established in all Local • A standing Food Ecosystem Task Force and
Councils. tourism should be encouraged.
• Young Lagosians should be trained in green • Prioritize the training of young people to go into
house farming. agriculture.
The need for rational tax administration for progres- The advent of Covid-19 pandemic in the first quar-
sive revenue generation cannot be overemphasized. ter of 2020 dealt a heavy blow on the efforts of the
However, in a situation of recession, taxes are the Government to raise the bar on revenue generation
first hit because the Government has to give a relief in the last eighteen months. Particularly, the quest
to encourage people to continue to pay. Therefore, of Government to raise revenue during the period
taxes must seek to align with the following: which has sharp fall indications which culminated in
the problems faced by Government.
* It must raise revenue;
* It must be easy to administer
* It must be neutral, and
* It must be fair and equitable.
Looking at the significant need for proper
infrastructural planning especially with the
population of Lagos growing at extraordinary
rate, which is at about 3.4% per annum, it is
pertinent to ask what is the plan of government
about investment, regulations, all the things that
are required to ensure that Lagos, which powers
about 25% of Nigeria economy in terms of GDP,
handles the real challenges of urban renewal and
physical planning.
Recommendations
• What can Lagos State do to really embrace im- • What practical ways can Lagos State carry out
pact investing? its investment?
* Bringing various economic actors together. * Design and execution of various economic
* Exploring the various economics of togeth projects.
erness in a business sector. Learn from oth * Focus on provision of service in the wake of
ers and let others learn from you. lean resources.
* Development of a sustainable and viable * Developing impact investing market i.e.
business environment through provision of national advisory economic board.
enabling laws for economic growth. * COVID-19 impact consortium, i.e. building
* Investing heavily in agricultural value chains capacity in crisis management to respond
in order to create job opportunities promptly and how to survive during and
* Investing in ICT after crises.
* Collaboration both within and outside the
country.
• What practical ways can Lagos State carry out * Prioritizing Government business.
its investment?
* Design and execution of various economic
projects. • Roles of Lagos State in viable economic growth
* Focus on provision of service in the wake of This can be achieved through sustainability of the
lean resources. State initiatives in Lagos State Security Trust Fund
* Developing impact investing market i.e. and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.
national advisory economic board.
* COVID-19 impact consortium, i.e. building * Both investments have made Lagos State
capacity in crisis management to respond one of the most secured state in the nation
promptly and how to survive during and and also reduced unemployment in the
after crises. state.
* Collaboration both within and outside the * Developing inclusive business policies that
country. ensure an enabling working environment for
* Prioritizing Government business. all stakeholders especially the youth.
* Investing heavily on ICT and renewable
energy.
• What does inclusive business entail? * Identifying the root cause of socio-econom
* Active participation of the Government in ic issues in the communities in order to
investment areas. minimize the problem and poverty.
* Creating an enabling environment for loans/
bonds facilities.
Impact Investing
The relevance of sustainability finance and impact investing in the 21st century cannot be overemphasized.
Thus, the need for concerted effort in realization of a veritable finance sustainability and impact investing
for economic growth.
Recommendations
• Government must continue to forge partner Government must consciously find the means
ships with all critical stakeholders in the Public to include all stakeholding segments of the society
and Private sectors for economic growth and into its planning processes to ensure ownership
development. and support.
The capacity for growth and development,
particularly the achievement of the SDGs and the Government must work with critical stakeholders
“Lagos in the next Decade” aspiration is beyond the to invest in the youth to serve as a springboard to
unilateral capacity of the government. Lagos must unleash the potential of young people to create and
be responsible, strong, audacious and conscious in become engaged. The need to critically address the
engaging and partnering critical stakeholders. needs of the critical sectors of the economy should
be paramount. To this end, the Government must
consider bringing in the youth population, the poor
Funding is critical for economic development. and the vulnerable in society on to the planning
The Government should maintain the culture of table with a view to achieving sustainable inclusion.
encouraging alternative sources of capital for
development purposes and for building resilience. Government must continue to manage resour-
ces prudently to remain competitive.
LASG must continue to seek ways to entrench the
principles of circular economy as it remains the Government must continue to be open, transparent
single most profitable and sustainable economic and be willing to strengthen the Public-Private
system of the 21st Century. Partnerships across the entire gamut of governance.
We must focus on production and making public
Government must prioritise Small and Medium goods and services available at low costs to improve
Enterprises (SMEs) and put them in contact with inclusiveness.
impact investors and other such alternative funding
sources that can lend below market rates to enable Government must transit from the rhetoric of
them function sustainably. LASG must continue to promises to action.
strengthen existing partnerships with the Private
Sector to mobilise capital as well as continue to Government must be implementing actual
review the ways of doing business and approaches programmes that would impact the lives of
to providing incentives and support for business stakeholders through opportunities for vertical
owners to thrive. integration, for example through what is currently
being done in the proposed revamping of the
There is a need to explore alternative sources moribund National Theatre by the Bankers
of funding, like impact investing, to create an Committee.
ecosystem for funding.
- Facilitating measures for effective traffic control - Capacity programs for cities to build aware-
to aid business and attract investments. ness in ocean plastic and waste management
- Restructuring of subsidies as an incentive for busi- - Holistic approach to address the issue of ocean
ness growth and partnership especially in the Agri- plastic.
culture sector and other areas.
- Working with some organizations that will pro-
- Transparency and Accountability should be vide funds for research into innovative tools used
strengthened for trust to encourage Public-Private in resilient city management.
Partnerships.
- There must be sincerity of purpose to imple-
- Ensuring better public health to encourage part- ment solutions that have been collectively de-
nership and business growth. signed.
- Building efficient technology backbone and data - There must be a willingness to experiment.
analytics to assist in demographic growth and
targeting interventions in a more precise manner. - Government must create an enabling environ-
ment.
- Registration of residents by Lagos State Residents
Registration Agency (LASRRA) is very important - Utilizing the plans and strategy documents (for
to help track population and disaster preparedness example the Resilient Strategy Document) pro-
planning. duced over the years.
- Driving the smart Lagos city idea as this will help - Learning from and giving back to other cities.
immensely for gathering data in disaster prepared-
ness.
Positioning Lagos for the next decade rests on collabo- - The State disaster preparedness should be de-
signed along the THEMES agenda because of its
ration and partnerships. versatility in aligning not only with the state vision
but also with SDGs.
· Human capital challenge and the restrictions pertaining to women working night shifts.
· Absence of critical infrastructure like transportation, roads, power and digital education, that will
make SMEs in Lagos competitive.
· Removal of trade barriers for European companies will further increase the ease of doing business
in Nigeria.
· SMEs must be competitive. Lagos must ensure the provision of critical infrastructure like
transportation, roads, power and digital technology.
· Lagos can employ creative ways for SMEs to thrive with the creation of a ‘Lagos Hub’, similar to
London Hub, to help boost partnership with educational systems like Lagos Business School and
other experts to provide respite for SMEs
· The state needs more roads and better roads. It is not a new subject; more distribution terminals
should be created. The roads leading out of Lagos state must also be continuously developed.
· Ultimately, roads should be prioritised, particularly access roads. If the access roads could be
optimised as soon as possible, the physical completion of the ports shift will be completed ahead
of schedule.
· Lagos State should understand the different needs of stakeholders in the cities.
· The removal of trade barriers for the European companies will further increase the ease of doing
business in Lagos.
Background
This session facilitated discussions about Lagos industrial hub and how the challenges
· SMEs need to be very competitive, and Lagos State can make them competitive by ensuring that
it faces can be addressed. Key challenges as shared by discussants are the need for
a number of key infrastructure needs are all very clear like transport, power, digital etc. making sure
better quality roads that will improve efficiency and running cost of companies, and
that the SMEs are all operating at a good profit margin.
the need for the government to create an enabling environment by investing in human
capital, infrastructure and technology.
• Structural & infrastructural solutions that could
· Government bureaucracy (bottlenecks) in help propel the increasingly global sectors to
accessing existing infrastructures. greater prominence
· Need to transfer skills to the Youth.
· Large gap between the formulation of policies
and execution of these policies. · Government should be acquainted with the
modus operandi of the entertainment industry.
· Lack of investment in physical structures which
is needed to attract tourists, create jobs and drive · Government seed funds should not be
the economy by both the government and industry disbursed through commercial banks due to the
players. cumbersome processes.
• Policies that can grow the Media, Entertain- · Adequate sensitisation on Government
ment, Culture and Tourism Industry? intervention programs through sector captains.
• Creative opportunities for the growth and de- • COVID-19: Opportunities for rebound· ·
velopment of the industry
· Both Government and practitioners must pay
· Need for a global and inclusive approach to attention to investing and protecting intellectual
addressing sector challenges. property.
Cross-pollination of the marketplace and the need · Need to transfer skills to the Youth.
to make funds more accessible.
· Establishment of a resolution execution committee.
· Need to be more creative in the formulation of
policies. · Continuous use of the physical space.
Background · A N1bn intervention fund is domiciled with the
The need for the State Government to pay more Lagos State Empowerment Trust Fund (LSETF) as · Government should invest more in physical • Key Points for Quick rebound
attention to exploring and investing in the structural, part of efforts to improve access to finance in the structures and equipment.
infrastructural growth and development of the Media, industry. This fund is yet to be accessed to its fullest · Access to Finance.
Entertainment, Culture and Tourism Sectors being a and there is a general lack of awareness about the · Government regulations should discourage · Capacity building in relevant skills.
large employer of Labour is a crucial need. Relevant fund in the industry. multiple taxation. · There must be massive investment in physical
stakeholders have to be engaged in policy initiation/ space.
planning and implementation in line with global · Inadequate infrastructure in the country limits · Government should create an enabling · Collaboration between Government and Sector
best practice. Access to funds should not be left the potential of the industry. environment for businesses to thrive to avert loss Practitioners.
to the commercial banks who are most concerned of talents. · Government should invest in Destination
about profit. Lagos needs to be more creative in its · The industry cannot do without power but the Marketing.
approach to investment in the talent space through cost of individual businesses supplying power is · Lagos should strive towards becoming a · Government should ensure prompt execution of
cross-pollination of the market. unbearable. destination marketplace for investors and tourists. all laudable policies of the Sector.
· There is a dire need to develop a think tank of
· Government is yet to fully understand the practitioners in the Industry.
Issues and Challenges industry and articulate its objectives.
· Failure of government policies to achieve desired
outcomes in the Media, Entertainment, Culture and
Tourism Industry
Conclusions and Recommendations · Abolish the fancy dresses (Silk & Gown)
operational in the Judiciary.
· Strong institutions, not rule of men, are
essentials for good governance. · Abolish excessive proceduralization in the
Judiciary.
· Strong men are prone to misrule and absolute
power corrupts. · Digitization of processes to reduce human
judges in tandem with best practices.
· Life will be short, brutish and nasty when
rule of men shapes governance. · Reduction of time and public funds being
expended on the process of justice delivery.
· Dynamism is the watchword of every system,
hence, every institution should be prone to change. · The process of case allocation to Judges
should be automated.
· There should be a strong correlation between
strong institutions and leadership for delivery of · The intellectual postulation that the
good governance and development (e.g. China and Legislative arm is a string of the Executive arm
Singapore). evolved out of mistrust perspective and not a reality
in Lagos State.
· Strong institutions are built by strong men.
· The cordiality that existed between the
· The implementation of laws requires Legislative and Executive arms were founded on
leadership with strong conviction. However, strong consultation and deliberation from conception of
leadership must operate within the confines of the policies to implementation and series of reviews.
rule of law. This must be sustained.
· The gap between the government and the · Exco-Legislative Parley which allowed
governed was traceable to the colonial era and its for stakeholders’ engagement has become
consequent effect on failed social contract between institutionalised and part of the working of
the government and the governed. government.
· Transparency of institutions would help to
· Governments should rise up to its social reduce pressure and gradual removal of the begging
responsibility by providing an enabling environment norm.
for its citizens to engage and actively participate in · Adherence to rules by Public Office Holders
the process of governance. is a sine qua non to the norm of transparency.
· Government policies must be tailored · Conflict between the government and the
towards addressing the interests and aspirations of governed is a universal trend and therefore not
the citizens with room for proper planning. peculiar to Nigeria.
· Need for a new order based on mutual and · Citizens must have confidence in the justice
understanding between the government and the delivery system and must be willing to seek redress
governed for a virile democratic system. in a competent court of law rather than taking laws
into their hands.
· Lagos has the best judiciary in the country,
yet the service delivery is still not charitable despite · Restoration of family values and norms.
the efforts of the State Government.
· Every policy of the Government is not driven
· Constitutional arrangement as well as by the motive to make money. However, where there
Background accurate data still remain an impediment to efficient is violation, the violator would be made to pay the
In the annals of modern-day democracy, the rule of · Judicial reform and impact on the justice justice delivery system in the country. deterrent fee as stipulated by law.
law rather than rule of men provides the basis for delivery system in Lagos State.
good governance. Hence, the social contract which · Justice delivery should be seen as a service to · Lagosians should learn to be law-abiding to
existed between the government and the governed · Legislative-Executive relationship and impact be delivered by the government to the citizens with forestall sanctions.
high consequential investments and developmental
are made manifest in policies which usually evolve on good governance. impact when put in right perspective. · Stakeholders should embrace competence
from a participatory process and willingness of the and merit in the scheme of things.
citizens to obey without element of coercion. · The begging culture and impact on · Rejuvenation of the judiciary through the
Against this backdrop, the session elicited positions transparency and good governance. embrace of new technology in the discharge of its · The institution should be strong such that
on how Nigerians can engage the government constitutional responsibility to the citizenry. citizens should be afraid to break the law.
against alienation, distrust and attack on institutions · Salvaging the broken-down social contract · Procedural process should be automated in · Stakeholders should collaborate to jettison
of governance. between government and the people. line with best practices. the axiom that “laws are meant for the fools”.
Issues and Challenges · Government policies and revenue motive. · Jettisoning of professional delay tactics in · Mechanism for thorough investigation of
the course of justice delivery by stakeholders. Public Office holders indicted of any wrongdoing.
· Intellectual debate on strong institutions,
strong men and the Rule of Law. · Strengthening of the Institutions. · The judiciary should look towards the
direction of accessibility, rational and equitable
· Good Governance and how best to bridge the justice delivery system for a better Lagos.
wide gap of trust between the government and the
governed.
Conclusions and Recommendations · The tone of transparency must be set from the
leadership with organizational capacity to drive it.
· Recruitment into the public service should be
based on merit and competence. · The transparency paradigm must shift from
morale to a business perspective for better results.
· Transparency in funding candidates and political · Good governance requires all stakeholders to
parties. be responsible.
· Promotion of digital governance will increase · Government must continue to improve on all
citizens’ participation in public service. transparency compliance mechanisms.
· Government should encourage the use of social · Public Sector Policy should take advantage of
media as a feedback mechanism on public service the gender disparity which tends to favour females
delivery. as less corrupt than male.
· Massive investment by government and other · Improved Judicial System helps to promote
stakeholders in digital governance. institutional transparency.
• Trust is the currency of the government. · Professionalization of the Audit System is also
Hence, there is the need to channel all efforts a right step in that direction.
Background · Promotion of citizen participation in governance. to achieve a fair and corrupt free society by:
In view of the global acclamation of transparency · Deployment of technology to digitize operations
as a yardstick for good governance as well as what · Utilizing technology for transparency. Automating the process of operation. in line with the policy framework of the government.
best solution to adopt in Lagos State, there is the · Technology should be utilized as an effective
need to critically examine and evolve a quick win- · Provision of an enabling mechanism for citizens to · Providing a clear-cut mandate for MDAs. feedback mechanism for government policies and
win approach to achieve transparency, institutional fully participate in the process of governance. institutional transparency.
· Upholding a merit-based recruitment and
effectiveness and accountability in investment drive, appointment system into public offices. · Technology should be utilized to create a level
economic growth and development. · Massive investment in digital governance and playground for all stakeholders to contribute to
social media which allows for effective feedback on · Automation of procurement process from end- governance.
Delivering functional institutions is crucial for government policies. to-end.
transparency and good governance in Lagos State. · Technology encourages participatory
· Automation of process of operation in the public · Citizen engagement is a sign of transparency governance.
service and provision of clear-cut ministerial mandate. of governance.
· Technology gives room for continuity of
Issues and Challenges · Achieving transparency through collaboration. · Both government and the civil societies must government programmes.
· Understanding transparency from the global collaborate to work out a standard process of
perspective. operation that promotes transparency. · Transparent institutions help to provide the path
· Leadership and organizational capability is a sine to integrity. For example, a clear-cut process and
qua non to achieving transparency. what is accruable to the Government would have
· Benefits of transparency, exploration and · Establishment of a mechanism for permeation of
promotion of the elements of transparency across been defined and achieved.
transparency through the rank and file of the Public
tiers of government. Service.
CLOSING
REMARKS
The Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
congratulated everyone who had been with the
Summit from the beginning to the closing of the 8th
edition of the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti),
with the theme “For a Greater Lagos: Setting the
tone for the next decade.”
CLOSING SESSION
in the success of the summit: The Chairpersons and He equally expressed gratitude to Mr. Mo Ibrahim,
members of the Lagos Economic Summit Group Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation;
(LESG), the ‘Ehingbeti 2020’ Steering Committee, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African
the various sponsors, partners across the public Development Bank Group (AfDB), Professor
and private sectors, the panelists and attendees and Catherine Duggan, Dean of the Graduate School of
participants who took time away from their busy Business, University of Cape Town; and Dr. Ngozi
schedules to attend in person or virtually. Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General-designate of the
Goodwill Message World Trade Organization (WTO).
-By Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai He specially thanked His Excellency, President
As the 8th Summit successfully came to a close, he
Muhammadu Buhari, for his Goodwill Message
adding that Mr. President has been an enthusiastic charged stakeholders, to sustain the conversation
supporter of Lagos State and indeed every State must not end here. The dreams and aspirations for a
The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam According to him, Lagos has been lucky to have Greater Lagos sought and deserved by all must be
across Nigeria, and set out an example that all
Nasir El-Rufai expressed his appreciation for the benefit of having successive governments kept alive in perpetuity by taking the learning and
future leaders of Nigeria must strive to emulate. His
the great honour and privilege to participate which followed tenaciously the economic and the conclusions from the Summit and using them to
appreciation also went to Ms. Catriona Laing CB, the
at the closing ceremonies of the Economic development blueprints laid by Asiwaju Bola forge a plan of action and implementation so as to
British High Commissioner to Nigeria; His Excellency,
and Investment summit. He reiterated the Ahmed Tinubu. He commended Mr. Governor, ensure that the future being envisioned for Lagos
Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State
importance of Lagos to the economy of Nigeria Babajide Sanwo-Olu for breaking new grounds State comes to fruition. The emergence and spread
for Foreign Trade; and His Excellency Asiwaju Bola
as having about one third to one quarter of the in moving Lagos forward and reassured of the Coronavirus pandemic has taught Lagos
Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, for
country’s output and that if Lagos were to be a participants that Kaduna State is not only that there can never be enough preparedness. He
their Goodwill Messages.
country, it would have a bigger GDP than many in support of the growth and development observed that at time last year, Lagos had not yet
African countries. of Lagos but also to assist its recovery from seen its index case of the Coronavirus.
He equally expressed gratitude to Mr. Mo Ibrahim,
the destruction, that came in the wake of
Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation;
He affirmed that Kaduna State takes Lagos as #EndSARS protest in October 2020. A year ago, nobody anticipated what the next
Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African
a model by studying and following the tax and twelve months might look like. Nobody could
Development Bank Group (AfDB), Professor
other reforms in Lagos before adapting the Finally, he affirmed that Lagos is the largest have expected or foreseen the near complete
Catherine Duggan, Dean of the Graduate School of
same. megacity in Africa and as the engine of growth shutdown of the world, the transformation of travel,
Business, University of Cape Town; and Dr. Ngozi
for the whole country, it behoves on all state work, education, meetings, and social life. What a
Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General-designate of the
governors to support Lagos’ growth and difference a year makes!
World Trade Organization (WTO).
development.
LAGOS ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2021
Mr. Governor reiterated the fact that Lagos is a Gov. Sanwo-Olu added: “To the energetic youths, the
beacon of hope in Nigeria; He hailed the unique ability to create true value out of societal problems
and resilient Lagosians spirit that has consistently is highly recognized. The future belongs to the
created infinite opportunities for entrepreneurship youth, this is not mere rhetoric, and it is actually the
1 2
Summit has been a cherished platform for the
conversations where the repositioning of the city Investments in the Lagos Excel Project, the Lagos been brought about by the realities of youths and to put policies and programs
and how to fast-track that journey is discussed. State Employment Trust Fund, the Rent-to-Own the 21st Century as well as the roles of in place to unleash the potential of our
The narrative of progress and development in Housing Program, the Lagos State Science Research technology in all aspects of our lives, it teeming youth population was strongly
Lagos State over the last two decades would be and Innovation Council, and several more initiatives is recommended that the Government highlighted. Policies must be robust and
incomplete without acknowledging the catalyzing are pointers to the fact that the government is not continues to provide an enabling treat the youths as assets – and concerted
role of the Ehingbeti Summit. Planning the next lip-servicing. The youths were then assured that environment and support of technology youth-focused capacity building in digital
Summit has begun, even though taking action on the Government will continue to create and expand hubs. Stakeholders requested the state to literacy, STEM, the arts, entertainment,
the present resolutions is germane to the success of opportunities for the young people to have a better sustain the provision of venture capital to sports and other sub-sectors must be
the next Summit. tomorrow than today. budding businesses and SMEs to boost created by the Government in partnership
their start-up capacity as well as sustain with the private sector.
He therefore called on the private sector to be Mr. Governor emphatically stated that someday them. We recognize that they are different from
aggressive in seeking out opportunities to partner very soon, the Ehingbeti baton will be passed on to We as a government, will look to deepen us and capable of making their own way
with and support the Lagos State Government stating the youths and it will be their duty to carry on with our work in this area through existing and in the world – therefore, we must seek to
that Government alone cannot singlehandedly the vision, and to prepare a Lagos that we will all new programs at LSETF, LASRIC, and understand them and how to adequately
finance or execute on all the ambitions that lie be proud to hand over to the next generation. Mr. the Ministries of Wealth Creation, WAPA support them.
ahead. Ehingbeti speaks to what Governments, the Governor again thanked everyone that has attended and Youth and Sports Development and
private sector and civil society can come together the 2021 Ehingbeti Summit with the hope to meet welcome collaborators to work with us.
to accomplish through deliberate bilateral and again at the next edition.
multilateral partnerships.
3 4
Another overwhelmingly emphasized It is recognised that Lagos State plays
point was the need to improve the State a critical role in the industrialisation of
education system through a thorough Nigeria, and indeed the success of Africa.
overhaul of the curriculum with a view to Hence, the state was mandated to venture
providing an education that meets 21st audaciously in projecting its brand, and
Century realities thereby reducing youth taking advantage of the coming large,
unemployment. united African market.
5 6
Some of the conspicuous infrastructure Given the importance of ease of doing
development, especially increased road business, the Government was implored
networks, housing schemes and optic to reinvent its processes and operations to
fibre investments were appreciated improve transparency and accountability
and encouraged to be scaled up to and secure the trust and confidence of
cater for its demographic endowment. stakeholders sustainably.
Stakeholders in Lagos must collectively The State also needs to continue
invest in the infrastructure of the future i.e promoting accountability through
telecommunication, the green economy responsible and responsive revenue
and renewable energy. institutions as well as prudent deployment
of tax policy that can be accurately
determined.
The invaluable role of data in economic Lagos State Government was
7 8
growth and development was noted commended on its commitment to
and the Government was enjoined to gender balance in public appointments
upgrade the functions of the Lagos and advocated continuous improvement
Bureau of Statistics to be an independent, on it. The Summit also recommended
professional Bureau so as to boost data paying greater attention to matters of
management for development. women and children and emphasised
The capacity of the State to conduct that the Government must continue to
rigorous qualitative and quantitative pay attention to the inclusion of people
research must be strengthened. with disabilities as well as the poor and
vulnerable in the society.
With the establishment of our State
Social Register and Social Protection
Policy enacted in 2020, we will work to
9
The State Government must continue to make the required social investments,
build strong law enforcement institutions, alongside our many partners in the
develop zero-tolerance for law breaking private, civil society and development
and indiscipline as well as hold its Public sectors to meet the needs of our people.
Officers accountable for unethical Above all, we recognise the place of
behaviour. Investment in technology to citizens as critical stakeholders and
drive e-government, e-commerce and commit to respecting their pride of place
security must be intensified. in our business processes and service
delivery.
11
The current level of public enlightenment All parties stressed the importance
10
and publicity of Government’s plans, of renewed commitment to improved
projects and programs needs to be partnerships and collaboration across
improved. There is a need to ramp up national, state and other sub-national
and find new ways of creating public governments, the Private Sector, Civil
awareness and improving participation in Society and the international community.
government programs.
ORIGIN OF THE
T.H.E.M.E.S AGENDA
The Lagos State Government is passionate about
institutions, investments, activities and businesses
Initiated in 2019, the six pillars of development has
helped in the all-important task of rebuilding Lagos.
that directly or indirectly help to build the economy At the thick of politicking for the coveted governor
of the state for a more robust engagement of role and legitimate control of Lagos state, packs of
the entire populace in order to create wealth ideas and propositions rolled into the process.
that will support sustainable economic growth
and development. Governor Babajide Sanwo- During the period, the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda stood out
Olu conceived the THEMES agenda in the race to arguably as the most outstanding proposition put
become Lagos state governor in 2019. forward by hopefuls in the race. Governor Babajide
Sanwo-Olu, then an aspirant, proposed T.H.E.M.E.S
The development-driven agenda is built on six (6) in his bid to govern Lagos.
pillars;
T.H.E.M.E.S AGENDA
and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century influenced Governor Sanwo-Olu electoral success.
Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security He hasn’t looked back since, drawing attention
and Governance. (internal and external) and investments in the Lagos
project.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ENTERTAINMENT
AND TRANSPORTATION
With outstanding results in
AND TOURISM
road networks and transport On the global stage, Nigeria
infrastructure, T.H.E.M.E.S has ranks as the second-largest film
placed Lagos in a good place. producer. Lagos is at the centre
of it all.
In March, Governor Sanwo-
Olu commissioned the Pen Recent projects suggest Lagos
Cinema flyover in the Agege has a firm grip on this demand.
local government area of In February 2021, the Lagos
the state. Completing and State Ministry of Tourism, Arts
delivering the project is one and Culture unveiled the Lagos
step that will continue to earn State Creative Industries Initiative
commendation from residents (LACI). The initiative hopes to
and visitors to the city-state. empower 1,500 filmmakers with
free skills training.
Why? Before the Sanwo-Olu Barely three months later,
administration delivered the Governor Sanwo-Olu announced
project, residents endured a N1 billion seed capital to boost
harrowing gridlocks and the creativity and tourism sectors
prolonged travel time. That’s a in the state. It helps that the state
thing of the past now. is offering this form of support,
creating jobs in the process.
FIRESIDE CHAT
FIRESIDE CHAT
Mr Kayode Khalidson: and Infrastructure Development, LAWMA — the
Thanks, Matt. At the onset of the program, we sat waste management agency, Marine Police.
with LASWA and we had extensive discussions
with the GM, and he was quite concerned that We all had several meetings in a stakeholder
over the years, there have been several studies group that was broken down between the
done in the past, and none has really been Steering Committee, which was chaired by the
TECHNOLOGY
Speakers:
came up with a unique ventilator design; a dual
multi Ambu bag ventilator design, which right
now is actually patent pending. The patent is
projects that democratise software development
and open up a lot of problem-solving to the
wider development community. There are so
Tubosun Alake (SA on Innovation and Technology) in the application office, and we believe that many issues across the state, but we think we
& Honourable Hakeem Popoola Fahm (Commissioner for Science and Technology) the patent will be granted, and of course, it can leverage on the collective intelligence of our
stands as a very unique innovation that was young people and on the collective intelligence
built in Lagos. This is one of the outcomes of our developers and makers to really solve the
-research intervention programmes anywhere in that LASRIC has seen over the past one year. problems of the state. So, the smart city agenda
Tubosun Alake:
the federation. When we came into office, one of This is all in pursuance of Lagos State’s bigger is multi-faceted in its approach and I think that,
I hope your day has been good, sir. I think there’s
the first things we did was to activate the Lagos agenda, which is the smart city agenda, and I without a doubt, there is quite a bit of activity
quite a lot to talk about.
State Science and Innovation Council, and this understand that if Lagos is to fulfill its complete that will be going on.
council is responsible for intervening in science potential, the city needs to become smart.
Hon. Hakeem Popoola Fahm: Hon. Hakeem Popoola Fahm:
Yes, quite a lot. It has been a good day. In this related activities across the state, especially
with research. We understand that research I know you have more to say about the partnership
present administration, we do have a committed Tubosun Alake: with the industry leaders; the likes of Microsoft,
leadership. And when you look at the investments powers innovations, right? And for us to be able
to become a much smarter city, an innovative Are there any certain initiatives you want to bring Oracle, SAP, and Google.
in technology, it has been unprecedented for the out in relation to the smart city?
state. The government is committed to making city, to become a knowledge hub, we needed to
sure that technology is at the forefront of all its intervene in science research, and so one of the Tubosun Alake:
activities. When you look at the team’s agenda first things that the Governor did was grant the Hon. Hakeem Popoola Fahm: Thanks for that. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago,
and the pillars, technology and education happen LASRIC council N250,000,000 (Two hundred As you see, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu is very we were in discussions with GateHub, the open
to be at the second level, but when you look at and fifty million naira) for the various disciplines committed to making sure that we make life easier source repository company that was acquired by
the framework, you’ll see that technology is the in research, and of course, more importantly or for the people of Lagos State and part of that is Microsoft, and we’ve been in talks with a number
bedrock. very importantly, to invest in innovative startups. to leverage on technology. If you look around you of other stakeholders. We’ve been in the Microsoft
It shows how committed this administration is in today, you cannot but see the rainbow of ducks ecosystem, we’ve had discussions with Google
leveraging technology to do a lot of things, and As I am speaking to you today, Lagos State has being laid around the town. This is to provide an as well, Oracle as well, and there are industry
we are seeing it, I know that trend is going to funded over 20 research initiatives across 4 enabling environment so that internet access can partners that are ready and willing to help drive
continue. different colleges of education and universities in be deployed throughout the state. the technology agenda for Lagos State.
Lagos, and has also funded about 20 start-ups, all Now, we started with 3,000KM of fiber last year And our private sector partners as well, the
Tubosun Alake: with different areas of concentration; delivering and we are going to continue to build on that. likes of Microsoft, we’ve been discussing about
I think the role of technology cannot be services and products to various areas of the This will provide connectivity to the length and having access to their developer networks, same
understated in Lagos State, and testament to state. So, a lot of the research initiatives that we breadth of the state. We are going to reach as Google, to have access to different benefits
that is if you look at the 2021 budget and how started, we are all monitoring them for patent schools, markets, public institutions, and most on their cloud infrastructure. So, a lot of these
technology plays a major role. Even going from applications, because as you know, patents importantly, we are going to reach private partnerships will be very critical and very key
last year to this year, the budget has more than signify that there’s an invention or innovation industries because we have to make sure we to be able to bring out the solutions that we
tripled in its size, and we see that there’s a lot of which holds long-term value for the state, and as provide that enabling environment. We are require for the state. So, there’s a lot going on
investment in the area of technology. When you such, I think it’s very commendable that Lagos putting the trunks that there are going to be and I believe Lagosians will start to see a lot of
look at things like trying to improve on education State has started this programme that is quite huge opportunities within the last mile. It’s going the benefits very soon.
outcomes, health outcomes, the investment unique in the federation. to spur a large amount of businesses.
in physical infrastructure to enable different
technological outcomes, Hon. Hakeem Popoola Fahm: Hon. Hakeem Popoola Fahm:
I think it’s without a doubt one of the strong The government funded your research and we Tubosun Alake: We have the foundation in place, so the next phase
points this administration is trying to make in have started seeing some outcome. So, in the The smart city agenda not just has the outcomes is to really look at the applications. We need to
the entire Lagos ecosystem. I must say that the areas of employment and also innovation, can you’ve mentioned — education and health — but put in applications that will increase productivity,
government is actively enabling the environment you touch on those? it also has economic implications as well. When efficiency, as well as provide service to the state,
for technology players to play a greater role in you look at the deployment of such a robust because when you look at the way we are today,
the development of Lagos. communication infrastructure, and you look at look at the population — 22 million people — we
Tubosun Alake: the elements of that project; the multi-coloured can’t continue to do business as usual. We have
Hon. Hakeem Popoola Fahm: It’s actually very good that you mentioned that rainbow-like ducks that you mentioned, what this to take new approaches, and that is to leverage
I know we are doing a lot of research which is because, based on the interventions and the is doing is really democratising the space and the power of technology.
unprecedented within the state government. fundings that we did last year, about 35 jobs enabling other private sector players to also play
Give us the details of the activities we are doing were created out of the many start-ups that we effectively in the market. One of the significant
in that area. funded, and there was quite heavy investment in overheads for communication deployment is
edu-tech, as well as in the different universities. infrastructure work, and so, the state putting
Tubosun Alake: One key esult that we had last year was a the money where its mouth is and investing, you
It’s very interesting that you mentioned that, partnership with the University of Lagos. We know front loading the cost, enables players to
and I must say, I’m very proud to say that Lagos co-funded a ventilator, a very unique ventilator. reduce their cost of deployment, and even allows
State had started one of the first structured- The ventilator was built to accommodate smaller players to compete in that department.
our own unique circumstances in Lagos.
FIRESIDE CHAT
Dr. Tunde Sodade: So, we have ease of doing business, and apart
Okay, guys. So, we are looking at the Lekki Free from that, access to all the common utilities.
Zone project from the perspective of the Lagos Whether you call energy, warehouses, industrial
State Government, and how the project adds to buildings. We have fire stations, medical centers,
the Lagos State Government’s effort to boost truck parks, so the operators there can have
industrial capacity and improve the value-added access to all the services. So, that’s what the
Dr. Tunde Sodade (MD, Lekki Worldwide), this effort? Dr. Tunde Sodade:
Robert Dickerman (COO, Pinnacle Oil and Gas), All these efforts that your companies are exerting
Dinesh Rathi (CEO, Lagos Free Zone) Robert Dickerman: in providing infrastructure around the zone, can
Yeah. Thank you very much, Tunde. At Pinnacle you tell us a little bit about what impact you are
Oil & Gas, we’ve been in the marketing, retail and having or planning to have in the development of
Lagos Free Zone is the first private free zone in Investors in Lagos Free Zone benefit from the wholesale business of petroleum projects for human capital? The key requirements for meeting
Nigeria, with a fully integrated deep seaport, is conducive and hassle-free Live-Work-Play several years now, but we recognised that there the objectives of Lagos State Government is the
an ideal location to serve the demand centres in environment, amenities such as housing, hotels, was a large efficiency problem in the area, in development of IT capabilities and technological
West Africa — home to about 350 million strong parking hubs, communications infrastructure, terms of being able to efficiently bring petroleum capital for the area.
consumer base. LFC is well connected to all major power station, medical facilities and leisure products into Nigeria — specifically, into Lagos Another thing that we are looking for is the
cities in the hinterland by road and by air. We are centres are provided and maintained so you can — because of the shallow drafts and because of infrastructure itself, the hard infrastructure. Can
located 65km east of Lagos metropolis, along focus on growing your business. In addition to the delays that that causes on the marine side of you tell a little bit more about how the people
the Lekki corridor — the sunrise development the enabling environment for growth, Investors the business. Shipping companies are charging of Lagos in general, and Nigeria by extension,
corridor of Lagos State, fast consolidating itself at Lagos Free Zone enjoy a host of physical large demurrage charges and there are large will benefit from what you are doing from these
as the engine of economic growth in Nigeria. benefits and preferential policies backed by laytime costs. In addition to that, there is a lot of perspectives?
the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the congestion because most of the terminals are in
Uniquely integrated with Lekki Port, the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority. Apapa Port, and it takes about five days to load a
deepest seaport in the region, Lagos Free Zone truckload of petroleum products. Robert Dickerman:
unlocks deeper reach to local and international These include various tax benefits, import So, what we did in response is we made a major The economic benefits that we are looking at
markets. Sustainably developed as the premier duty exemption, unrestricted access for skilled investment and a construction project to build are really quite massive for this project Pinnacle
investment location for varied businesses, workforce and tax-free remittance of profits a large distribution terminal on land, and an has just completed. In addition to the demurrage
LFC is an ideal destination for manufacturing and dividends. Lagos Free Zone is a world-class associated marines that are in deeper waters which I mentioned earlier — the delay costs
facilities due to a strategic advantage in industrial zone carefully planned with state-of- with very efficient pumping capabilities so that for ships coming in — that alone is about $200
enabling easier access to critical success the-art infrastructure, services and facilities to we can actually bring in much larger vessels that million dollars a year in savings to Nigeria, which
factors; such as land, world class infrastructure, help your business thrive. We welcome you to have never been able to be brought into Nigeria will translate into lower petroleum product prices
and an unwavering commitment towards Lagos Free Zone, your gateway to a new frontier. before, and reduce or eliminate demurrage at the pump.
enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria. charges. In addition to that, we can redirect the In addition to that, we are looking at significantly
traffic from the very crowded and congested lower laytime savings — laytime is the allowance
Apapa Port to the Lekki Free Zone, where we can for having a ship at port — contractual allowance
get trucks in, get them loaded efficiently, and get that could save another $100 million dollars a
them out and moving much more quickly. We can year.
load 22 trucks at once. In addition to that, there will be lower product
And we think that this project alone that we are losses that happen when they do ship to ship
just about to begin operation on is going to have transfers, when you have to lighter a large
enormous efficiency benefits for the entire area, ship to a smaller one at a jetty, and perhaps
and frankly, for the whole country. the larger benefit of all to Lagos, the port, the
entire area, and perhaps the entire distribution
system of petroleum in Nigeria is the reduction
Dinesh Rathi: of congestion in the Apapa Port, because a lot
So, Lagos Free Zone is a very important of congestion we are experiencing today — the
development on the infrastructure side, which typical five days that it takes to load a truck
is an integral part of the overall Lekki Free would only take one day or less at the Pinnacle
Zone development. So, the Lagos Free Zone port in the Lekki Free Zone.
encompasses a port which is already in the process And when we take all of those trucks that are
of being constructed. We are almost 40% done as currently tied up in Apapa and we relocate them
far as the port project is concerned, and the port to Lekki Free Zone, it allows the Apapa Port to
is deeply integrated into the overall Free Zone operate much more efficiently, and the container
development. The Free Zone caters 830 hectares trucks and dry goods and all the other materials
of land, and it’s primarily meant for industrial and that need to move out of Apapa Port can do so
logistics companies, and the Zone is registered much more efficiently, and with fewer delays
under Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority, and fewer costs. So, there are actually economic
which means it’s a special economic zone, and that benefits to the entire country that are quite
means it has got all the components which comes substantial.
with being a special economic zone in Nigeria.
FIRESIDE CHAT
Dr. Tunde Sodade: Dr. Tunde Sodade:
Thank you. So, by way of government incentives, And you can be sure that the state government
both federal and state, can I just ask if you are is working on it. There are quite a number of
satisfied as investors and what other types of infrastructure projects in that axis that the State
incentives you would like to see. Which ones Government is working tirelessly to provide.
do you use now, and is there anything we could Denish and I were talking earlier about the
do on the government side to make your work
easier?
progress of the 7th Road, the Postal road, and
the Ibeju-Lekki road. I can assure you that all
these projects are on the board. The problem
TRANSPORTATION
Speakers:
with infrastructure projects is that a lot is done Dr. Frederic Oladeinde (Commissioner for Transportation)
Dinesh Rathi: on the drawing board before you actually move & Abimbola Akinajo (MD, LAMATA)
So, in terms of the incentives, the special to the site. That brings me to the question of;
economic zones within the country are all How imminent are your operations? When do
falling under the Nigerian Export Processing you see yourself starting or taking off? Dr. Frederic: with, that whole corridor — based on the studies
Zone Authority act, and the NEPZA act clearly Being the smallest state, which is about 0.4% of that LAMATA was done for instance — speaks to
prescribes the way to administer a free zone in the land mass, attracts a lot of people. So, we about 750,000 to a 1,000,000 passengers daily.
the country, and as part of that, we have single Robert Dickerman: are currently about 22 million people, and we And also, when you build a new rail system, you
window clearance, the NEPZA office, customs Well, we’ve had a very expedited construction are about to grow to about 30 million by 2030, are bringing development to that area. So, when I
and immigration officers at our economic zone, schedule, and we are actually ready to start and 89 million by 2100. Where are we going to look between Agbado and Oyingbo for instance,
which then provides services to all the operators. operations and take our first cargo of 60,000 put them? We have to look for a much more all the stations we are building in that area will
It just plugs into the whole ease of doing dead weight tons on March 1st, 2021. We are just innovative way of moving people from one point generate some level of economic activity that
business philosophy of the Federal Government. about to begin. to the other in Lagos, and that’s why we have will allow those areas in itself to generate more
At the state government level, the State developed a master plan which has a multi-modal work and activity — commercial and economic
Government has been absolutely supportive in integrated, the word “integrated” is important, activity in those areas, and it will make them more
terms of whatever we have done Dr. Tunde Sodade: transport system. economically viable. So, for Lagos, it’s a win-win
as far as the project is concerned. In three weeks time? And the essence of the master plan is to give situation. The blue line for us is a line that Lagos
options, because when you look at what is has been building for a long time, but we mustn’t
They have one of the biggest supporters and Robert Dickerman: happening around, people are captive to either forget that this is the only sub-national that has
an important shareholder of that project, and In three weeks time, we are ready to go. We are danfos or captive to their cars. They don’t have actually been bold enough to build a rail system,
because of their support, we are seeing this going to be doing this and I think it’ll have a large options. So, when the Third Mainland Bridge is and that rail system is a 27 KM system. For now,
project coming to reality. And Lagos of course, impact. shut down and you are captive to your car, you what the Governor has made sure will happen is
in terms of support infrastructure, they have are stuck in traffic. People need to be able to the completion of the blue line. Now, for Lagos
been working on the road network as well and have access to water transportation, the bus the opportunities are huge, because we’ve been
that’s a job which is in progress and helping Dr. Tunde Sodade: mode and the rail mode. So, the rail mode, what’s
Dinesh? doing this for a long time, it has looked to the
us create a better ecosystem in the entire axis. the current situation? world as though we were never going to complete,
but in this administration, he has made sure by
Robert Dickerman: Dinesh Rathi: Abimbola Akinajo: providing and ring fencing the funding that that
And for us, we would never have been able to So, as we speak, we are currently in operation. Okay. Commissioner, you are absolutely correct. will be completed in this administration. So, we
build this without the support of many federal, Out of the 10 operating units which are there, The solution to Lagos is not about building more are heading towards a 2022 start of operations,
state and local agencies. We had to get thirty 6 are in the manufacturing space, and they are roads or any of those things. You tend to picture and that is the first phase of the blue line which
permits to build this, we had to have the support already manufacturing and supplying products. growth that is huge, and when we look at that, is from Mile 2 to Marina. For that particular
of the Department of Petroleum Resources, The Both for the export market, as well as the Nigerian we need to be able to move people. And the phase, we are looking at no less than 250,000
Nigerian Port Authority, and many other agencies market. Apart from that, the port which is the word you’ve used there is absolutely correct, it’s passengers per day, so yet again, we are talking
in order to make sure that we are installing and major project for our zone, will be operational by about options. Traffic will never leave any city. about increased productivity and reduced travel
operating a facility that will operate well and the end of 2022, and that would really be a huge All over the world, you’ve got traffic. It’s about time. If anybody knows that corridor —
safely, that we have all of the safety measures in catalyst, not only for our zone, but for the whole alternative modes of transportation, and I guess
place, that we don’t take any chances of an oil Lekki axis. So, in terms of operation, as I am that’s where you mention the waterways and you
talking to you, we are fully operational. The likes mention the buses, it makes people want to leave Dr. Frederic:
spill on the water, that all of the operations have
of Kellogg’s, Power Oil, Dano Milk, Colgate are all their cars at home and do public transportation, That corridor is huge. I mean, if you look at what
been professionally managed and professionally
operating as part of our development. Thank you.. and the biggest mass mover is the rail system. is happening, even the logistics on that corridor.
handled.
You look at Mile 2, and just to get to Apapa alone is
And so, that’s why when you look at the master a nightmare. So, if you can take those people out
And I think in terms of the investment and support Dr. Tunde Sodade:
plan like you say, within that master plan, of the road and put them on the rail, I think that
that you asked about that we use to enhance and And there you have it. Lekki Free Zone,
we have seven rail lines. Currently, the State would make a huge difference. To put structure
make this impact even greater, it really is on the contributing to the value addition of the industrial
Government is implementing two as you know — around what is happening in the master plan,
roadside, it’s if we have better and wider roads capacity of Lagos State. Thank you.
the blue and the red. Once we do those two rail the strategic direction is first integration. They
and we have better access so that the truck
lines, we’ll have a huge relief in terms of public all have to be integrated. The second one is that
traffic can operate smoothly and efficiently.
transportation and traffic. The two rail lines we public transport has to be affordable because
are doing, for instance, the red one will move we need to lift people out of poverty. The third
That would make a big difference. Initially, we
from Agbado to Marina. The first phase is what one is to bring the private sector in, because we
perhaps were fine with the way it is set up now,
we are developing as we speak, and that is from know that the government cannot do this alone.
but for this to grow, which it will, we are going to
Agbado all the way to Oyingbo. Now, when you It’s a huge investment, we are talking about over
need a lot of help on the roadside from the state
think about the numbers that will do on a daily 25 billion dollars to fund the master plan. And
government.
basis, it will have a huge impact, because to start then, most importantly, we need to modernise
Dr. Frederic: continued Dr. Frederic: Abimbola Akinajo: Abimbola Akinajo:
transport systems. So, we are talking about the Let’s talk about how we’ll bring the private sector Yes, and that’s because in the bus mode, we Yes. It’s an interesting journey, and I think
BLT. There are 40 BLT corridors in the STMP. We in, because that’s huge. So, the government are currently working with the private sector. Lagos will become a whole lot better
have 26 water routes, water is very important cannot fund the rail lines alone. We need the A number of them had been shortlisted, and for it, and I’m excited to be a part of it..
because 17% to 20% of Lagos is water, and it’s private sector to help, because when you look we now have four private operators who
amazing that we haven’t optimised the capacity at the distribution of income, 80% resides in the work with Lagos State as we speak, and they
of the waterways. Also, we need to talk about the private sector and the government only controls have committed to bring in their own buses.
rail and its connectivity. 20%. So, we have private sector participation Dr. Frederic:
in the rail because they’ll buy the rolling stock So, by the second quarter of this year, we Absolutely. Thank you very much.
Abimbola Akinajo: and obviously operate the rail system. In will begin to see more buses. We have
To speak to what you’ve said about connectivity water transportation for example, the Lagos about circa 700 hundred buses now.
and Intermodal systems, everywhere we have a State Government signed a memorandum of
jetty now, what the vision of LAMATA as directed understanding with the British Government to The vision is by the end of this year, we should
by our transport master plan is to make sure look at how we prioritise roots on our waterways, have about 2,000 buses, high to medium capacity.
we have bus-stops around there. So, outside of and what they are doing is developing a full Then, the private sector is also involved in the last
those major interchanges, every bus terminal business case with a full financial model to mile, the government had put some spin in that
will have bus-stops close by, so when you come demonstrate how viable the various routes are, game as well, and we are working with private
off the ferry, you are not stranded. You’ll always and so that once we prepare those documents, banks to provide some level of funding to the
be able to find buses to get to your destination. we can then invite the private sector and attract private operators, and therefore, we intend to
them to buy vessels and run those various routes. have roundabout 2,000 small sized buses for the
So, that is going on on waterways. I know there’s a first and last mile, all run by the private sector.
Dr. Frederic: lot of interest in our rail, and there’s a lot of private
Let me even come in there. One of the downsides sectors that are beginning to show interest in the
of water transportation is that it has always been bus reform. So, what’s your experience with the Dr. Frederic:
isolated, so the connectivity has always been rail and the bus mode in particular? I see a huge potential in the transport sector for
missing and so when people get to their final Lagos State. I’m very excited. I’m glad to be a
terminal, they are always stranded. So, they have Abimbola Akinajo: part of this transformation, and we have to give
to wait an hour or an hour and a half before they Let’s start with the rail. Because we’ve been kudos to the Governor of Lagos State for the
connect. So, what you are talking about is there building this blue line for a long time, there’s commitment and political will he has shown in
will be a bus-stop, and then the various operators some sort of thought out there that maybe ensuring that this sector is developed to a stage
will integrate their time-table in such a way that Lagos is not serious, and which is why Mr. where the economy becomes more competitive,
we’d minimise waiting time to about five to ten Governor has gone out and made sure we and we can compete with other economies like
minutes, in comparison to about an hour, and that have funding to complete the blue line. London, Barcelona, et cetera.
makes water transportation even more attractive.
And when you look at what the government is What that does is it nails the fact that Lagos
doing on the waterways, they have invested in State, at least this administration, is serious Abimbola Akinajo:
over 9 jettys. So, we are renovating over 9 jetties, about completing the rail lines. So, in doing that, I mean, like you say, any economy is hugely
there’s a lot of dredging going on. So, people we have put some level of investor confidence dependent on its transportation systems. It’s
will have the option of traveling on the road, and back into the system. Also, we have secured when people move that they make money. It’s
people will have the option of using waterways, funding for the red line, so we are getting two when people move that an economy is driven. So,
as well as the rail. rail lines that the Governor has provided funding first and foremost, we must and we must, and the
for, we’ve worked with the banks — we have a Governor is dedicated to that. When they see his
Abimbola Akinajo: number of banks that are helping us with these, agenda and its theme, that’s the very first pillar..
I mean, it’d be fantastic for us, but you know, in and in doing that now, LAMATA has also gone
tying all of this together, we are doing a single out to the private sector to seek an expression
travel card for the whole of Lagos. So, when of interest for the remaining four lines, and
you speak about integration, there are all of the Dr. Frederic:
we’ve been inundated with responses. We have And people day that transportation is the engine
things that make it cohesive and functional, and at least 20 on every line that has applied for it.
one of them is being able to use one singular of any economy, and what he has done is to
card to travel on all these modes that you ensure that good people drive that sector. So,
So, when you look at that, we have a large it’s not business as usual where anybody can just
described. So, the Cowry card will be a card number of interests. For us, those are the
that you can use on any mode of transportation. come into the transport sector and plan.
other lines. Even with the blue and the red,
We are rolling it out on a regulated bus system the government will build the infrastructure;
now, and we are also going to use it on the rail There’s a coherent plan in place, and there’s
the six infrastructure, and all of it is due to be consistency in the way the plan is executed, and
when it comes to life, and we’ll use it on the completed in the third quarter of 2022. And in
waterways. Waterways is slated to roll out on you can see the proof of the private sector gaining
doing that, we are also talking about bringing in a lot of confidence in wanting to participate in
the 1st of April. So, really and truly, Intermodal the private sector to bring in rolling stock and
transportation is the heart of our STMP like you Lagos, and that’s because there’s a plan.
to run and operate the system. So, those are
say, and it is something that we are driving, and going on, and I see a very healthy future for the
by midway of this year, we are looking to see That plan is backed by law, and we’ve developed
rail system in Lagos. It looks like it’ll be great.. a regulatory framework which gives them the
amazing changes to our public transportation..
confidence that when they invest here, their
investment is secured.
Dr. Frederic:
And the bus mode is even better.
FIRESIDE CHAT
the city’s economic strength comes from its you were talking also of academia because
diverse set of stakeholders, from domestic sometimes, there’s a tendency to just think it’s
and international businesses, academic public and private alone. There are so many other
institutions, community-based organisations, types of partnerships that go into making some
private investors, and the public sector. These of these things happen, and the extent of those
stakeholders essentially catalyse growth partnerships really go as far as your imagination
REBUILDING LAGOS
Speakers:
opportunities in existing and emerging industries
in a bid to create good-paying jobs. The city’s
strategy again is beyond traditional economic
can take you.
Execution
Key Actions
Key Actions
Promote digital literacy and entrepreneurship by linking hotspots with broadband e.g. schools,
hospitals, LGAs and by incorporating digital literacy into education. Evangelise software companies via summits and other challenges and entrench the the idea that
StartUps and e-Governance are the inevitable future of Lagos
Proposal/Panel
4th Industrial Revolution: The Imperatives and Prospects for the Digital Economy. Proposal/Panel
Destination Lagos: Becoming the World’s Best Investment Destination
Execution
Min. of Science and Technology | Office of Innovation and Tech Execution
Min. of Science and Technology | Office of Innovation and Tech | LSETF (Lagos Innovates)
Key Actions
Facilitate interface between academia (LASU, Lagos Business School etc) and other experts to
support capacity building for SMEs and startups and build a critical mass of talents to bolster Key Actions
the supply side of the curve. Support local content by encouraging and patronizing local Enterprise Resource Planning [ERP]
system developers and e-governance solution providers.
Proposal/Panel
Destination Lagos: Becoming the World’s Best Investment Destination Proposal/Panel
Unleashing Innovation for Development
Execution
Min. Science and Technology | Office Innovation and Tech | LSETF (Lagos Innovates) Execution
Min. of Science and Technology | Office of Innovation and Tech | LSETF (Lagos Innovates)
Key Actions
Key Actions
Create incentives for technology innovation including Youth Technological Startup status,
mentorship, financial support, tools and fiscal tax incentives. Create incentives for technology innovation including Youth Technological Startup status,
mentorship, financial support, tools and fiscal tax incentives.
Proposal/Panel
Proposal/Panel
Unleashing Innovation for Development.
Unleashing Innovation for Development.
Execution
Execution
Min. of Science and Technology | Office Innovation and Tech | LSETF (Lagos Innovates)
Min. of Science and Technology | Office of Innovation and Tech | LSETF (Lagos Innovates)
RESOLUTION 1: HARNESS THE POWER
Resolution 2: Key Actions
Collaborate with successful businesses and individuals in the state to develop sports
Proposal/Panel
Execution
The need to harness the power of the youths and to put policies and programs in place to unleash
the potential of our teeming youth population was strongly highlighted. Policies must be robust
and treat the youths as assets – and concerted youth-focused capacity building in digital literacy, Key Actions
STEM, the arts, entertainment, sports, and other sub-sectors must be created by the Government
in partnership with the private sector. We recognize that they are different from us and capable Develop a sustainable Youth Policy.
of making their own way in the world – therefore, we must seek to understand them and how to
adequately support them. Proposal/Panel
Equality for all - the role of youths and women.
Execution
Key Actions Key Actions Ministry of Youth and Social Development
Identify and nurture talent (leveraging Create youth entrepreneurship programmes
resources on the internet) to support in collaboration with partners
capacity development for the youths.
Proposal/Panel
Proposal/Panel Unleashing disruptive innovation for
Mr. Iyin Aboyeji, Future Africa / 4th Development
Industrial Revolution
Execution
Execution WAPA
Ministry of Education Ministry of Agriculture
Office of Innovation and Tech LSETF (Lagos Innovates)
LSETF (Lagos Innovates)
RESOLUTION 1: IMPROVE THE STATE
Resolution 3: Key Actions
Increase collaboration between industry and the educational sector including Public
Proposal/Panel
Execution
Ministry of Education | LASTVEB
Another overwhelmingly emphasized point was the need to improve the State education system
through a thorough overhaul of the curriculum with a view to providing an education that meets
21st Century realities thereby reducing youth unemployment.
Key Actions
Consider establishing a Secondary School Exit Programme which employs secondary
school leavers for 5 years.
Key Actions Key Actions
Expedite work on the revision of the Review the teacher training curriculum Proposal/Panel
curriculum with support from agencies and increase the frequency of training
Unleashing disruptive innovation for Development.
like LASRIC (STEM intervention), Digital and assessment, to ensure there are more
Lagos (to embed digital technology), professionals developed.
LSETF (Entrepreneurship) as well as the Execution
Private Sector to create a ‘curriculum plus’
approach in the formulation of policies in
Proposal/Panel Ministry of Education | LASTVEB
education. Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, HC for Education
Proposal/Panel Execution
Re-Imagining Education: Learning, Unlearning and Re-Learning.
Key Actions Office of the SDG and Investments
Proposal/Panel Proposal/Panel
Destination Lagos: Becoming the World’s Best Investment Destination. Unlocking Agricultural Potential to ensure Food Security and Sustainability.
Execution Execution
Office of the SDGs and Investment. Ministry of Agriculture
Key Actions
Key Actions
Leverage expertise and market demand to create a medical tourism hub.
Make the State business-friendly relative to African and Global peers by automating procedures,
processes and payments, providing up-to-date information on taxes and laws with the state,
Proposal/Panel streamlining taxes, rules and regulations and ensuring policy stability.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Execution Proposal/Panel
Ministry of Health | Office of the SDG and Investments | Office of Public-Private Partnerships Destination Lagos: Becoming the World’s Best Investment Destination
Execution
Office of the SDG and Investments
Key Actions
Develop sectors in which the state had a regional or global competitive advantage such as the
Key Actions
ocean / blue economy, entertainment and the fintech sector. Open up the market by developing strong multi-modal transportation links (road, rail, air and
water channels) to leverage the advantage of proximity to other ports in West Africa.
Proposal/Panel
Destination Lagos: Becoming the World’s Best Investment Destination.
Proposal/Panel
Eko to the World: Shaping the Future of Trade and Economic Independence.
Execution
Ministry of Education | LASTVEB
Execution
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure | Ministry of Transportation
Key Actions
Establish Strategic Food Reserves in all Local Councils. Key Actions
Improve concessioning and Public-Private Partnership frameworks.
Proposal/Panel
Unlocking Agricultural Potential to ensure Food Security and Sustainability
Proposal/Panel
Execution Eko to the World: Shaping the Future of Trade and Economic Independence.
Ministry of Agriculture
Execution
Office of Public-Private Partnerships
Key Actions
RESOLUTION 1: INCREASE COLLECTIVE
Resolution 5:
Foster tourism industry stakeholders’ participation in policy formulation and implementation
including developing a think tank of practitioners in the industry, improving sensitization on
government intervention programs and establishing a Resolution Execution Committee for
INVESTMENT IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE
OF THE FUTURE: TELECOMS, GREEN
tourism.
Proposal/Panel
Made in Lagos: Media, Entertainment, Culture and Tourism.
Execution
Ministry of Tourism | Ministry of Arts and Culture
ECONOMY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Some of the conspicuous infrastructure development, especially increased road networks, housing
schemes and optic fibre investments were appreciated and encouraged to be scaled up to cater
Key Actions for its demographic endowment. Stakeholders in Lagos must increase collective investment in the
infrastructure of the future i.e. telecommunication, the green economy and renewable energy.
Create a Lagos State Tourism Development fund as well as Tourism Divisional Offices across the
State.
Key Actions
Proposal/Panel
Create a 50-year energy plan to serve
Made in Lagos: Media, Entertainment, Culture and Tourism. the projected 40 to 50 million people
expected to be in Lagos – power plants, Key Actions
Execution distribution, digital, domestic, solar, clean
Invest in broadband internet connection
and sustainable energy.
HC Tourism | SA Arts and Culture around the city and continue to support
infrastructure companies to make
Proposal/Panel broadband internet accessible to all.
Eko to the World: Shaping the Future of
Key Actions Trade and Economic Independence. Proposal/Panel
Establish a “Lagos Movie Village” to accommodate more than 20,000 Audience and boost Destination Lagos: Becoming the World’s
investment in physical spaces the industry can utilise (e.g. theatres). Execution Best Investment Destination.
Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources
Proposal/Panel Execution
Made in Lagos: Media, Entertainment, Culture and Tourism. Ministry of Science & Technology
Execution Key Actions
Ministry of Tourism | Ministry of Arts and Culture Establish a Sustainability Bond framework.
Execution
Ministry of Transportation
Ministry of Works.
Key Actions
RESOLUTION 1: IMPROVE
Resolution 6:
Position Lagos as the first green city in Africa by transitioning the public transportation system
to cleaner alternative fuel (CNG, LNG, electric) and efficient technology vehicles and developing
a roadmap to ensure all cars in the city would be electric-powered cars after 10 years.
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Proposal/Panel
Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce
THROUGH RESPONSIBLE & RESPONSIVE
Execution
Ministry of Transportation | Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources |Office of the SDGs and
Investment
REVENUE INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS
Key Actions
Phase-out used cars from Lagos roads to encourage the growth of the automobile industry.
PRUDENT DEPLOYMENT OF TAX POLICY
Proposal/Panel Government was implored to reinvent its processes and operations to improve transparency and
accountability thereby securing the trust and confidence of stakeholders sustainably. The State
Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce also needs to continue promoting accountability through responsible and responsive revenue
institutions as well as prudent deployment of tax policy that can be accurately determined.
Execution
Ministry of Transportation
Key Actions Key Actions
Review regulations frequently, using Trial-test regulations before making them
processes that are transparent and involve official and also reduce incidences of
Key Actions more public engagement to make services policy reversals.
more citizen-focused and user-friendly
Build production clusters to create viable economic communities e.g. entertainment, maritime, while ensuring they dynamically reflect
technology. current global realities.
Proposal/Panel
Security Law and Order
Proposal/Panel Proposal/Panel
Eko to the World: Shaping the Future of Trade and Economic Independence. Security Law and Order
Execution
LASG EXCO
Execution Execution
Ministry of Commerce and Industry | Office of the SDGs and Investment Office of the Attorney General
Proposal/Panel
OF THE STATE TO MANAGE DATA FOR
Funding Growth Sustainably.
Execution
DEVELOPMENT & CONDUCT RIGOROUS
Ministry of Finance | Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget
Execution
Ministry of Finance | Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget Key Actions Key Actions
Implement the required regulation to Democratize data by facilitating
govern harnessing data from various contributions to the centralized data bank
sources. to encourage citizen participation in data
generation.
Key Actions
Train staff to be digitally competent and abreast of rapid changes in ICT with a view to being
Proposal/Panel
more customer-centric and e-governance enabled. Security Law and Order.
Proposal/Panel
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi / Sustainability,
Proposal/Panel Execution measurement, and reporting.
Office of the Attorney General
Security Law and Order.
Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget Execution
Ministry of Science and Technology
Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget
Execution Ministry of Innovation and Tech
Ministry of Science and Technology
Head of Service | Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions Ministry of Innovation and Tech
Key Actions
Key Actions
Improve transparency of institutions to help reduce pressure and gradually remove the norm of
‘begging’. Improve transparency of decision-making processes, what is accruable to the Government,
disbursement of public funds and framework for funding candidates and political parties.
Proposal/Panel
Strengthening Governance, Institutions and Legislations. Proposal/Panel
Role of Transparency, Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability in Governance.
Execution
Head of Service | Parastatals Monitoring Office | LASG Public Procurement Agency Execution
Ministry of Information and Strategy | Ministry of Civic Engagement
Key Actions
Key Actions
Evolve a dynamic resolution mechanism with emphasis on quick dispensation of Justice.
Automate procurement process and operations of government from end-to-end and continue
to improve on all transparency compliance mechanism.
Proposal/Panel
Strengthening Governance, Institutions and Legislations. Proposal/Panel
Role of Transparency, Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability in Governance.
Execution
Office of the Attorney General Execution
Ministry of Finance | Ministry of Science and Technology
GM LASG
Key Actions
Key Actions
Strengthen regulation and enforcement such that citizens are afraid to break the law and
collaborate with key stakeholders to jettison the axiom that “laws are meant for the fools”. Uphold merit-based recruitment and appointment into public office.
Proposal/Panel
Proposal/Panel
Strengthening Governance, Institutions and Legislations.
Role of Transparency, Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability in Governance.
Execution
Office of the Attorney General Execution
Head of Service
Key Actions
RESOLUTION 1: IMPROVE PUBLIC
Resolution 10:
Implement a robust performance management framework with and SMART goals and Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs), with appropriate support system to help achieve evidenced-
based institutional transparency and strong consequence framework to achieve self-ownership
ENLIGHTENMENT AND INCREASE
AWARENESS OF & PARTICIPATION
of success and failure.
Proposal/Panel
Role of Transparency, Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability in Governance.
Execution
IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Head of Service | Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions | DCOS
The current level of public enlightenment and publicity of Government’s plans, projects and
programs needs to be improved. There is a need to ramp up and find new ways of creating public
Key Actions awareness and improving participation in government programs.
Develop a roadmap for sustainable, competent and efficient digital e-governance and adopt
digitisation across all government businesses e.g. go paperless, digitalize payments.
Key Actions Key Actions
Jointly determine a common set of values
Policy formulated must be well
Proposal/Panel communicated to the citizens for wider
which will be held sacred by all Lagosians.
Shaping the Future of Governance with Technology. acceptability and obedience without
coercion. Proposal/Panel
Execution Citizen Participation in Governance.
Ministry of Science and Technology | Ministry of Innovation and Technology
Proposal/Panel
Strengthening Governance, Institutions Execution
and Legislations.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Youth and Social Development
Execution Ministry of Civic Engagement
Ministry of Information and Strategy
Ministry of Civic Engagement
Key Actions
Encourage greater interface and
Key Actions accessibility between the Local
Government tier and citizens.
Establish more fora for open, transparent,
sustained and accessible communication
including holding more localized and Proposal/Panel
decentralized Town Hall meetings in the Citizen Participation in Governance.
Local Government Areas.
Execution
Proposal/Panel
SA Civic Engagement
Citizen Participation in Governance.
Proposal/Panel
Citizen Participation in Governance.
Execution
EXCO
RESOLUTION
Resolution[Link] RENEW COMMITMENT TO
Key Actions
Work actively to change the perception of non-inclusion - every citizen must feel involved.
IMPROVE PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATION
Proposal/Panel
Citizen Participation in Governance. ACROSS NATIONAL, STATE, AND OTHER SUB
Execution
Ministry of Civic Engagement NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS, THE PRIVATE
Key Actions
SECTOR, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND THE
Pay particular attention to the aspirations of young and old citizens, especially to address the
existing political apathy of the youth. INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Proposal/Panel All parties stressed the importance of and renewed commitment to improved partnerships and
Citizen Participation in Governance. collaboration across National, State, and other Sub-national Governments, the Private Sector, Civil
Society, and the International Community.
Execution
Ministry of Youth and Social Development | Ministry of Civic Engagement Key Actions Key Actions
Raise awareness among international Intensify and foster a deliberate and
business and donor communities of conscious collaboration of higher
socially and commercially beneficial institutions in Lagos State and partnerships
Key Actions investment projects. with international organizations on the
environment, technology/informatics etc.
Leverage the media to increase awareness on the idea of sustainability.
Proposal/Panel
Proposal/Panel
Proposal/Panel Ms. Helen Grant MP / Destination Lagos :
Shaping up as the world’s best investment Professor Kenneth Amaeshi / Sustainability,
Mainstreaming sustainability in Governance and Business. destination. measurement, and reporting.
Proposal/Panel
Achieving Resilience through Partnerships and Collaboration.
Execution
Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget | Ministry of Special Duties
Lagos State Resilience Office
Key Actions
Create a Sustainability Plan with defined roles for public as well as private sector to encourage
participation leveraging the UNDP SDG framework.
Proposal/Panel
Mainstreaming Sustainability in Governance and Business.
Execution
Office of the SDGs and Investment
MEMBERS OF CENTRAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR
THE 8TH LAGOS ECONOMIC SUMMIT (EHINGBETI 2021)
Mr. Benson Uwheru Mr. Ope George
Ernest &Young PPP Office
bensonuwheru@[Link] opeg@[Link]
TECHNICAL SUB-COMMITTEE
Mr Gboyega Soyanwo Mr. Bayo Sodade Mrs Abiola Liadi Abiodun Muritala
PS) MEPB/ Co-Chair AG/STO/ Co-Chair
DCOS / Co-Chair SA-MEPB/Co-Chair
bsodade@[Link] biolaliadi@[Link] biodun_muritala@[Link]
gsoyanwo@[Link]
basod2k@[Link]
[Link]
Mr. Jide Shipe Mrs. Yewande
Adebowale
japril29@[Link] Zaccheaus
MEPB
Eventful
Jolanze29@[Link]
Yewandezaccheaus@[Link]
EDITORIAL COMMITEE
Princess Aderemi Mr. Bolaji Onimole
Adebowale MEPB
HC Civic Engagement bolajionimole@[Link]
Askprincess10@[Link] Mr. Biodun Bamgboye Mrs Ololade Aina
PS Local Govt. Estab. &
Dir. Training
Pensions/Co-Chair
abiodunbamgboye247@[Link]
SECRETARIAT
[Link]
Lagos can enhance its data management by upgrading the Lagos Bureau of Statistics to a professional, independent bureau. This would improve data handling for development and facilitate rigorous research. Objective data use in planning is crucial, highlighting the need for a central databank aggregating all data for informed decision-making .
The COVID-19 pandemic has led Lagos to prioritize several development policy areas. Infrastructure improvement is crucial, as the pandemic highlighted the need for better roads, transportation, and digital technology to support SMEs and the economy . Human capital development, particularly empowering women and youth through education and skills development, has become essential in addressing inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic . Health sector investment has been emphasized, with public-private partnerships encouraged to strengthen and integrate healthcare systems . Additionally, the pandemic has pushed for greater efficiency and transparency in governance, utilizing technology to enhance institutional transparency and promote participatory governance . Overall, policy focus has shifted toward creating a conducive economic environment through improved infrastructure, technology, and social equality measures to drive sustainable growth in the post-pandemic era ."}
Lagos should overhaul its curriculum to include critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills to prepare youths for future challenges. Establishing vocational training institutions via Public-Private Partnerships and increasing spending on education to meet UNESCO recommendations are also essential strategies. Besides, integrating in-school and off-school training and enhancing teacher assessments and training frequency are vital steps .
Enhancing PPPs allows Lagos State to leverage private sector resources and expertise for infrastructure development and innovation. This collaboration can help fund and operate transport systems, social services, and educational reforms, thereby driving economic growth and improving service delivery within financial constraints .
Transparency and accountability are pivotal in gaining stakeholder trust and ensuring responsible governance. They facilitate effective tax policy deployment and involve public participation in policy-making, which aligns services with citizen needs. This approach enhances public confidence and promotes sustainable development .
To become a destination marketplace, Lagos should enhance its creative arts and tourism sectors by establishing initiatives like a 'Lagos Movie Village.' It should also invest in infrastructure and create a conducive business environment to encourage investment. Furthermore, the government must address sector challenges creatively and promote skill transfers to the youth .
Stakeholder engagement in Lagos State's policy-making process has significant implications for economic growth and development. Involving stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation enhances transparency and ensures policies align with stakeholders' needs, fostering trust and confidence among investors and the community . This engagement is crucial for infrastructure development, as understanding the needs of stakeholders, such as SMEs and informal operators, can drive the provision of necessary infrastructure like roads and digital technology, which are critical for competitiveness . Additionally, aligning policies with stakeholders' expectations helps reduce bureaucracy and improve the ease of doing business, further attracting investment and facilitating sustainable economic development . Moreover, by incorporating stakeholder feedback and insights, the government can better address industry-specific challenges in sectors like healthcare, media, and tourism, contributing to job creation and economic diversification in Lagos .
Digitization of citizen data in Lagos enhances governance and development by promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability. The automation of public services and e-governance initiatives facilitate citizen engagement, allowing for effective participation in governance processes . Digitization also enables efficient resource management, such as automating the procurement process, thereby improving service delivery . By leveraging technology, Lagos can enhance data collection and management, improving planning and the execution of government programs, while fostering trust between the government and citizens by providing accessible and accurate information . These technological advancements not only reduce the bureaucratic burden of traditional processes but also encourage Public-Private Partnerships, leading to more sustainable economic growth .
To improve transportation and attract private investment in Lagos, several measures are recommended: 1. Encourage private sector participation in rail systems by allowing them to buy rolling stock and operate rail services. This is crucial as 80% of the income resides in the private sector, making government funding insufficient . 2. Develop a business case with financial models for waterway routes to attract private investment in vessel purchases and operations . 3. Enhance ease of doing business by improving infrastructure, including efficient transportation links involving road, rail, air, and water channels. Additionally, policy consistency is essential to give investors confidence and ensure a stable investment environment . 4. Strengthen transparency and accountability to build trust and encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and improve concession frameworks . 5. Invest in technological infrastructure and develop a demographic data analytics system to target interventions effectively . 6. Integrate transportation systems, ensuring connectivity between different modes such as buses, ferries, and rail to facilitate mobility and reduce congestion . 7. Develop incentives for private investments through restructuring subsidies and providing an enabling environment for partnerships and investments . 8. Focus on addressing congestion and infrastructure gaps, such as expanding transportation networks, building new roads, and upgrading existing ones, which are critical for supporting trade and reducing business costs .
Lagos State can leverage its infrastructure, such as road networks and optic fibre investments, to support industrialization by facilitating business operations and improving connectivity. The government should also focus on scaling up infrastructure investments in telecommunication, renewable energy, and the green economy to attract businesses and retain industries that have relocated .