Tinubu Backs Lagos International Financial Centre as Sanwo-Olu Highlights Global Ambition
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has revealed that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is strongly supportive of the proposed Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), describing the President as “excited” about the initiative’s potential to reposition Nigeria in the global financial landscape.
The Governor made this known during a welcome dinner for delegates attending the Nigeria Foreign Direct Investment Training Programme at the Moller Institute, University of Cambridge, on Sunday evening.
The programme, convened under the LIFC initiative, is organised by TheCityUK and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the LIFC Council, emphasised that the proposed financial hub is a national project aimed at elevating Nigeria’s global economic standing rather than serving any regional interest.
He disclosed that President Tinubu had been fully briefed on the initiative and expressed keen interest in driving it forward at the highest level.
“President Tinubu is aware of our engagements and was very enthusiastic during our recent discussion. He is expecting a comprehensive memo and is prepared to take leadership and ownership of the initiative,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu added that the establishment of the LIFC represents a strategic opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and attract global investment flows, noting that the calibre of stakeholders involved underscores confidence in the project’s success.
He commended the collaboration between public and private sector actors, including international organisations, federal and state government officials, lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and EnterpriseNGR.
Also speaking, LIFC Council Co-Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, expressed optimism about the initiative, citing strong alignment among stakeholders and growing private sector commitment.
According to him, ongoing engagements have encouraged stakeholders to adopt a broader vision for Nigeria’s financial future, describing the experience as both “motivating and transformative” for private sector participants.
The high-level training at Cambridge brings together key policymakers and financial sector leaders, including representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and members of the National Assembly.
The Lagos International Financial Centre is envisioned as a transformative platform to position Nigeria as a leading financial hub in Africa, capable of competing in the global marketplace and driving sustainable economic growth.
