Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday chaired the 4th Council Meeting of the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), alongside his co-chair, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, at Lagos House, Ikeja. The meeting marked another significant step in advancing Lagos’ ambition to become a leading international financial hub on the African continent.
The Lagos International Financial Centre is a strategic initiative of the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR, implemented in collaboration with key private sector stakeholders. The initiative is designed to strengthen Lagos’ position as a preferred destination for global capital, financial services, and multinational businesses seeking access to Africa’s largest market.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the LIFC as a critical pillar of Lagos’ long-term economic strategy. He noted that the state’s vision goes beyond attracting capital to building a robust, competitive, and well-regulated financial ecosystem that supports sustainable growth, job creation, and innovation.
According to the Governor, the LIFC is focused on creating an enabling environment that meets international standards by providing world-class infrastructure, efficient regulatory frameworks, and a business-friendly operating climate. He emphasized that these elements are essential to attracting international investors, top-tier financial service providers, and multinational corporations looking to establish regional headquarters in Africa.
The Council reviewed progress made since the last meeting, assessed key milestones, and discussed priority actions required to accelerate implementation. Discussions also centred on policy alignment, infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and strategies for strengthening investor confidence in Lagos as a global financial destination.
Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, co-chair of the LIFC Council, highlighted the importance of sustained public-private collaboration in achieving the Centre’s objectives. He noted that the partnership between government and the private sector remains a core strength of the LIFC initiative, enabling practical solutions that align with global best practices.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to working closely with EnterpriseNGR and private sector partners to ensure the success of the initiative. He stressed that deliberate planning, consistency in policy execution, and transparency will be key to building a financial centre that can compete with established global hubs.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to maintain momentum and focus on delivery. As Lagos continues to position itself as a gateway for investment into Africa, the Lagos International Financial Centre stands as a flagship initiative aimed at unlocking new opportunities, deepening financial markets, and reinforcing the state’s role as Nigeria’s economic and financial powerhouse.
About the Author
