Refresh: Governor Sanwoolu’s Speech at NBA-SBL Conference
ADDRESS DELIVERED BY MR. BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU, GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 17TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW CONFERENCE OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 5TH JULY, 2023 AT EKO HOTEL AND SUITES, VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS
Protocol,
I would like to express my profound appreciation for the invitation extended to me by the Nigeria Bar Association to be part of the 17th Annual International Business Law Conference taking place here in Lagos. Let me also warmly welcome all the Learned Minds and Distinguished delegates/participants from within and outside Lagos and Nigeria to the State of Excellence and aquatic splendour.
It is my sincere opinion that this conference themed “THE NIGERIAN BUSINESS LANDSCAPE – PRIORITIES FOR LAW, POLICY AND REGULATION” promises to be challenging and engaging and will produce recommendations that will help in aligning our laws and practices to changing global realities.
Nigeria has a diverse and dynamic economy that is full of opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, but we also acknowledge that there are challenges that can make it difficult for businesses to succeed in our country. While some of these challenges are internal and peculiar to our environment, quite a number are external and global in nature. The fact however remains that if we succeed in addressing our local challenges through appropriate policies, legal and regulatory framework, we would have developed an economic eco-system that is strong enough to withstand external shocks and uncertainties.
I believe that one of the key ways that we can support businesses is by creating a favourable regulatory environment, developing policies and enacting laws that are tailored towards promoting growth, innovation, and transparency. Policies are powerful tools by which government expresses its intention to address specific issues of development and governance. Indeed it is the window through which investors get to know the focus of government and also a guide to taking appropriate and profitable decisions that impact the society positively.
My administration is committed to simplifying the process of doing business in the State by constantly reviewing official processes rules and procedures with a view to further promoting and ensuring ease of doing business in our State.
Further, we are also committed to a continuous improvement of our judicial system in collaboration with the NBA in order to improve the speed of adjudication in line with the tenets of fairness and the rule of law.
Government regulation is aimed at promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in the marketplace, while also protecting the interests of, all stakeholders including investors and the public.
Regulations are essential to ensure that businesses operate ethically and responsibly, and that they do not engage in practices that are harmful to the public and or the environment.
Our goal as an administration is to continually strengthen the regulatory environment designed to fast track business growth and ensure that businesses operate within the ambits of established rules and standards.
Distinguished Learned Minds of this noble profession, ladies and gentlemen, it is also my pleasure to share with you today as a government the developmental policy objectives and road map of my administration, which is named Project THEMES+.
The THEMES+ agenda is designed to transform Lagos State into a more modern and sustainable metropolis, with special focus on transportation and traffic management, health and the environment, education and technology, entertainment and tourism, security and governance, and sustainable social investment.
It is a continuation of our development agenda that was implemented in our first term tenure. The new addition + is an expression of our conscious resolve to intentionally pay special attention to issues of youth development gender equality and social inclusion of all residents of our dear State.
Through Project THEMES+, we aim to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, improve the quality of life for our citizens, and promote sustainable development. We believe that this agenda will not only benefit Lagos State but also contribute to the economic growth and development of Nigeria and the African Continent.
Earlier today, I received the management of the Prince’s Trust International, an enterprise NGO set up by His Majesty, King Charles III to support young people’s participation in the growth of the economy through entrepreneurship. We are encouraged by the vision of this global NGO, which aligns with the mandate of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund established to support young entrepreneurs with soft loans to set up and grow their businesses. This partnership is just one of several others that have been made possible through the enabling environment created by friendly policies and regulatory framework towards building a prosperous future for the citizenry.
I have no doubt in my mind the array of speakers and facilitators will do justice to the theme and I believe that at the end, this conference will help to proffer solutions to existing challenges and chart a viable course in policy design and regulation of the nation’s business landscape.
In conclusion, as a government committed to creating an environment that is conducive to growth, innovation, better lives for all citizenry prosperity and sustainability, we believe that by prioritizing law, policy, and regulation, we can promote economic development and improve the lives of our citizens. We encourage you to work with us to achieve these lofty goals towards supporting businesses that are making positive impact on our economy while creating the enabling environment for upcoming entrepreneurs/businesses to thrive.
At this juncture, I happily request and enjoin you all that you take advantage of our hospitality aquatic splendor and thriving business opportunities in the State and enjoy yourself in the comfort of our peaceful and secured environment!
Once again, I welcome you to Lagos-home of aquatic splendor!
I thank you for listening and wish you a successful conference.
Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
Governor of Lagos State
5th July, 2023.
