LASG Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive, Sustainable Economic Growth

​The Lagos State Government (LASG) firmly reaffirmed its dedication to an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic trajectory at the third Lagos Economic Roundtable Discourse. Hosted by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the high-level forum convened top government officials, business leaders, academics, and development partners to strategically deliberate on charting a path to reposition Lagos as "Africa’s most dynamic and equitable sub-national economy."

​Under the compelling theme, “Building Forward: Unlocking Emerging Sectors for an Inclusive, Resilient, and Prosperous Lagos Economy,” Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, delivered the keynote. He stressed the government's resolve to implement "data-driven and future-focused policies" as the State transitions into the 2026 fiscal cycle. This commitment extends beyond merely recovering from challenges, aiming to “build forward - stronger, smarter, and more inclusive.”

​A significant portion of the discourse centred on the “Omi Eko Revolution,” a transformative initiative outlined by Special Adviser Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadamilola. This initiative seeks to monetize Lagos's considerable water assets by transforming its waterways into a modern, resilient, and inclusive mode of transportation. The strategy is designed to offer immediate relief to road congestion, promoting a cleaner transport system via electric and hybrid ferries, and is actively backed by major international partners like AFD, the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

​Economic experts and academics strongly advised the LASG on the need for diversification, innovation, and investment in people to truly build a resilient economy. Prof. Biodun Adedipe, who led the discussion, noted Lagos’s estimated 2025 growth rate of 6.49 per cent, significantly outpacing the national GDP. He recommended incentivizing key growth sectors, including Entertainment, Tourism, Agriculture, and Manufacturing, drawing a strategic parallel with the economic features of California to further bolster the State’s prosperity.

​​The Roundtable concluded with a mutual call for shared commitment to build an economy driven by collaboration and inclusivity, which was echoed across the panel session. Prof. Taibat Lawanson cautioned that urban regeneration efforts, such as those driven by the THEMES Plus Agenda, must be executed carefully to "co-learn, co-design and co-produce with all stakeholders," ensuring vulnerable communities are not marginalized. The event ultimately reinforced the government's dedication to making Lagos a global model for sustainable urban growth and inclusive governance.