The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hazmat, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strategic economic and trade relations with the Republic of Turkey, describing the long – standing partnership between both sides as one that should be expanded to unlock greater investment opportunities and mutual prosperity.
The Deputy Governor, who spoke while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency, Mr. Michael Poroy and other officials of the Republic, held at the Deputy Governor’s Office, the Round House, Alausa, Ikeja Lagos, highlighted Lagos strategic position as Nigeria’s commercial and financial hub.
According to him, Lagos unique combination of economic strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and vibrant population continues to make it the preferred destination for business and investment.
“We have been working with Turkish companies for many years, several of them are involved in construction projects such as the Onikan Stadium, and have served as contractors to the Lagos State Government. This relationship has come to deepen it further by expanding and scaling up cooperation between our two countries,” Hazmat said.
The Deputy Governor acknowledged the longstanding presence of Turkish companies in Lagos, particularly in the construction sector, noting that many successfully partnered with the Lagos State Government in executing major infrastructure projects.
He stressed that existing cordial relationship provides a solid foundation for expanding cooperation into additional sectors of the economy, emphasizing the strategic importance of Turkey in regional and global trade.
Hazmat expressed confidence that stronger engagement between Lagos and Turkey investors would create new opportunities for commerce and infrastructure development and economic growth.
The Deputy Governor, therefore, assured the Ambassador of the Lagos State Government’s readiness to engage in further discussions aimed at identifying area of mutual interest and strengthening bilateral ties.
Earlier in his address, the Ambassador of Turkey, His Excellency, Mr. Mehmet Poroy, stated that the purpose of the visit is to appeal to the Lagos State Government to continue creating an enabling environment for foreign investment and to consider Turkish firms for future infrastructure and development initiatives.
He added that enhance cooperation between Lagos and Turkey would promote sustainable economic growth. Create employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and further solidify the longstanding relationship between both parties.
“This is my first official visit to Lagos, and it is inline with the directive of the Turkish President following Nigerian Presidential visit to Turkey earlier this year, aimed at deepening economic relations between the both countries. Therefore, we want to appeal to Lagos State Government to deepen your relationship with Turkey in areas such as infrastructure, economic, among others,” he said.
Poroy emphasized that Turkish companies possesses the expertise, capacity, and willingness to partner with the Lagos State Government and indigenous businesses in delivering critical infrastructure and development projects, disclosing that the Turkish delegation would engage with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further strengthen existing business collaborations and identify new investment opportunities.
