Uzoka-Anite Leads South-East Business Delegation to Lagos, Launches New Government–Private Sector Dialogue Platform
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Friday led a team of leading South-East business figures on a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as part of efforts to deepen collaboration between government and private investors.
The visit, held at Lagos House, Marina, represents a renewed push by the Federal Government to strengthen partnerships with state governments and economic stakeholders in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for inclusive and private-sector-led growth.
Speaking during the meeting, Uzoka-Anite praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and described Lagos as a city that embodies innovation, enterprise, and sustainable urban development. “It’s always a pleasure to be in Lagos, a city that truly never sleeps and one that continues to lead the way in innovation, enterprise and economic growth,” she said.
According to a statement by Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, the minister conveyed the regards of the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and lauded Lagos State’s steadfast support for the Federal Government’s economic reform initiatives.
“You have shown that when the Federal and State Governments work together, progress is both achievable and sustainable. Lagos continues to demonstrate how forward-thinking reforms and cooperation can deliver measurable development,” Uzoka-Anite added.
She explained that her visit followed President Tinubu’s directive for ministers to enhance engagement with key stakeholders across all regions.
During the meeting, Uzoka-Anite unveiled a new policy engagement platform, the Government and Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series, aimed at institutionalising regular interaction between policymakers and business leaders. “The idea behind the GPS Dialogue is to create a continuous, open forum where government and private sector representatives can exchange ideas and jointly develop solutions to national economic challenges,” she explained.
She noted that the dialogue series would serve as a bridge between policy and practice, beginning with Lagos—the nation’s commercial capital—as its launchpad.
“There is no better place to start this initiative than Lagos, the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy and West Africa’s trading hub,” she said, adding that the Federal Government was ready to partner with Lagos in hosting the first edition of the series.
The minister encouraged Governor Sanwo-Olu and members of his economic team, including commissioners for finance, economic planning, commerce, and local government affairs, to take an active role in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Uzoka-Anite reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to finance, empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostering a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and investment. “We share a collective vision—to build a Nigeria where enterprise thrives, innovation is rewarded, and prosperity is accessible to every hardworking citizen,” she stated.
Introducing her delegation, Uzoka-Anite described the visiting South-East entrepreneurs as “true ambassadors of Nigerian enterprise,” noting their contributions to Lagos’s growth and development. “They are individuals who have made Lagos their home and continue to drive progress through their investments and innovations,” she said.
After the formal meeting, the delegation held a closed-door session with Governor Sanwo-Olu to discuss strategies for improving cooperation between the Lagos State Government and the Igbo business community. Among the proposals discussed was the creation of a Lagos–Igbo Consultative Council, envisioned as a permanent platform for dialogue on trade, commerce, and social development.
In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Federal Government’s renewed focus on private sector engagement and pledged Lagos’s full support for programmes that promote investment, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. “Lagos remains committed to partnerships that drive economic progress and create opportunities for all,” the governor affirmed.
