Lagos State has called for deeper trade and investment ties with Poland, describing both economies as natural partners positioned to unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and shared prosperity
.The call was made by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the inaugural Polish–Nigerian Economic Forum, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event was organised by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Nigeria.
Represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos remains open to investors and innovators from Poland, pledging an enabling environment anchored on transparency, infrastructure development, security, and the dynamism of its people.
“As a government, we reaffirm our readiness to welcome investors, innovators, and partners from Poland to explore the limitless opportunities our State offers,” Sanwo-Olu said, stressing that Lagos is working to position itself as a globally competitive hub for trade and innovation.
He outlined potential areas of collaboration with Poland, including infrastructure, urban development, energy and clean technology, digital economy and cybersecurity, healthcare, transport and logistics, agriculture, and food processing.
Highlighting Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial capital, Sanwo-Olu noted that the state, with over 22 million residents, contributes more than 30 percent of the nation’s GDP and serves as the principal gateway to West Africa.
He underscored the ongoing implementation of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, driving progress in housing, healthcare, renewable energy, transportation, government digitization, and the creative economy.
The forum also featured contributions from Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (represented by Mrs. Gertrude Orji), who reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Poland in agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Poland’s Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, Michal Cygan, described the forum as a milestone in bilateral relations, emphasizing that Nigeria’s youthful population and vibrant technology sector offer vast opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Head of Poland’s Foreign Trade Office in Lagos, Justyna Sitarska, stressed that while only one percent of Polish exports currently reach Africa, the figure reflects a huge potential for growth, particularly in Nigeria, which she described as an important economic partner for Poland.
Sanwo-Olu commended the organisers for convening the forum, calling it a timely and strategic platform to chart a new course for shared prosperity between Lagos, Nigeria, and Poland.
