Francesca Odimgbe
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening 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. Mehmet Poroy, and other officials of the Republic, held at the Office of the Deputy Governor, 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 been beneficial, and we believe the time has come to deepen it further by expanding and scaling up cooperation between our two countries,” Hamzat said.
The Deputy Governor acknowledged the longstanding presence of Turkish companies in Lagos, particularly in the construction sector, noting that many have successfully partnered with the Lagos State Government in executing major infrastructure projects.
He stressed that the 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.
Hamzat expressed confidence that stronger engagement between Lagos and Turkish investors would create new opportunities for commerce, 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 areas of mutual interest and strengthening bilateral ties.
Earlier in his address, the Ambassador of the Republic 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 enhanced cooperation between Lagos and Turkey would promote sustainable economic growth, create employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and further solidify the long-standing relationship between both parties.
“This is my first official visit to Lagos, and it is in line with the directive of the Turkish President following the Nigerian Presidential visit to Turkey earlier this year, aimed at deepening economic relations between both countries. Therefore, we want to appeal to the Lagos State Government to deepen your relationship with Turkey in areas such as infrastructure, economics, among others,” he said.
Poroy emphasized that Turkish companies possess 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.