Lagos State has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic and trade relations with the Republic of Turkey, as both sides seek to expand existing partnerships and unlock new investment opportunities.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated this when he received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Mehmet Poroy, and other members of the Turkish delegation during a courtesy visit to his office at the Round House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Hamzat highlighted Lagos’ strategic position as Nigeria’s commercial and financial hub, describing the state’s strong economy, entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant population as key factors that continue to attract businesses and investors.
He noted that Turkish companies have maintained a longstanding presence in Lagos, particularly in the construction sector, where several firms have partnered with the Lagos State Government on major infrastructure projects.
The Deputy Governor specifically referenced the involvement of Turkish companies in projects such as the Onikan Stadium, noting that the existing relationship between Lagos and Turkey has been beneficial to both sides.
“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.
He stressed that the cordial relationship between Lagos and Turkey provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation into additional sectors of the economy.
According to him, stronger engagement with Turkish investors could create new opportunities in commerce, infrastructure development and economic growth.
Hamzat also assured the Ambassador that the Lagos State Government remains open to further discussions aimed at identifying areas of mutual interest and strengthening economic ties between Lagos and Turkey.
Earlier, Ambassador Poroy said his visit was aimed at encouraging the Lagos State Government to continue providing an enabling environment for foreign investment.
He also appealed to the state government to consider Turkish companies for future infrastructure and development projects.
The Ambassador said stronger cooperation between Lagos and Turkey would contribute to sustainable economic growth, job creation, technology transfer and the consolidation of the longstanding 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,” Poroy said.
He emphasized that Turkish companies possess the expertise and capacity required to partner with the Lagos State Government and indigenous businesses in delivering critical infrastructure and development projects.
Poroy further disclosed that the Turkish delegation would engage with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen existing business collaborations and identify new investment opportunities.
The meeting underscores the growing interest in strengthening economic cooperation between Lagos and Turkey, with both sides looking to build on existing relationships and explore new areas of collaboration that can drive investment, infrastructure development, job creation and sustainable economic growth.
