Elegbede Abiodun
… Nigeria’s industrial drive can only be achieved through bold and coordinated actions at both federal and subnational levels.
In a bid to position Lagos State as a 2lst-century industrial hub of Africa, leverage its human capital and market scale, and confront binding constraints, Lagos State government, through its Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, yesterday, launched the Lagos State Industrial Policy (LSIP) 2025-2030.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the formal launch of the LSIP in Lagos by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the strategic blueprint is policy-led, framework-driven and institutionally grounded.
He said that the state could translate the policy into industrial excellence, much as peer economies have done by combining clear frameworks with delivery capability, from Ethiopia’s industrial park model to Vietnam’s special economic zones.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, expressed delight at the launch of the state’s industrial policy, saying Nigeria’s industrial drive can only be achieved through bold and coordinated actions at both federal and subnational levels.
Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the LSIP could not have come at a more needed time and deals with basic infrastructure that drives industrialisation.
Also, President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, said the policy ably differentiates by capacity what is needed by each MSME.
MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ayi-Kadir, noted that for over 60 years, Nigeria lacked a comprehensive industrial policy but since the national policy was launched, “it trickles down to the subnational governments.
National Vice-President, Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, S.T Kuti-George, said the right industrial policy helps to prioritise sectors, improve industrial capacity and drive competitiveness regionally and internationally.
Meanwhile, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), through its schools committee, has presented educational materials and infrastructure to 24 selected public schools across Lagos State.
The event was held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, as part of the COWLSO School Community Project 3.0.
In a welcome address, the Coordinator of the COWLSO Schools Committee and retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs Anike Adekanye, said the initiative reflects a deliberate commitment to inclusive education and improved learning environments.
She noted that Project 3.0 commenced on July 17, 2024, following an engagement at Pacelli School for the Blind and had since focused on addressing infrastructure gaps and supporting students with special needs.
In her keynote address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated that the 2026 phase of the project involved an investment of N124,457,000 in 24 schools.
