Sanwoolu receives US secretary of state Blinken and promises to keep wooing investors

GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwoolu has committed Lagos State to exploring shared interests with the US in response to the growing interest it is attracting from American investors who see Lagos metropolis in particular as a key investment destination.

Giving the commitment while welcoming the US secretary of state Anthony Blinken to Nigeria at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, Governor Sanwoolu said his administration would also like to strengthen diplomatic ties with the US. He commended Mr Blinken for acknowledging Lagos’ well-deserved reputation as a technology and innovation hub.

In addition, Governor Sanwoolu expressed pride in the state’s role as a breeding ground for innovative success in Nigeria. Mr Blinken stopped off in Lagos on his on a six-day tour of Africa that will take him to Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Angola between January 21 and 26.

During their meeting at the presidential wing of the airport, Governor Sanwoolu reiterated Lagos State’s openness to fostering international partnerships that contribute to collective progress. Mr Blinken's trip is to strengthen future economic partnerships and enhance relations with the African continent.

During his visit, Mr Blinken announced the commitment of the US to collaborating with Nigeria in generating energy and addressing plastic pollution. He disclosed that the US mission in Nigeria would launch the Nigerian marine and blue economy to develop solutions for economic and environmental challenges.