How Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Purposeful UNGA81 Outing Positioned Lagos For Global Partnerships, Investment And Growth
For Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the just-concluded 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York was more than a series of high-level engagements; it was a purposeful outing to
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made a strategic appearance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York to showcase Lagos' potential for global partnerships, investment and sustainable growth. During his participation in various high-level engagements, Sanwo-Olu emphasized Lagos' investment opportunities, sought climate and renewable energy financing, and advocated for collaborations on infrastructure and climate action.
The governor aimed to convert international interest into tangible benefits for Lagosians by promoting the state's priorities on the global stage.
Sanwo-Olu's participation in UNGA81 began on September 21 when he welcomed Vice President Kashim Shettima to New York, who represented Nigeria in various global development agenda discussions. Lagos also assumed the role of Partner Government at the UN Global Compact Africa-Caribbean High-Level Session, highlighting climate risks faced by cities and the need for enhanced action across regions.
Sanwo-Olu believed that Federal Government support was crucial in positioning Lagos favorably among international investors and development partners.
One of the key highlights of Sanwo-Olu's UNGA81 outing was his involvement in the Global Renewables Summit, where he emphasized the urgency of reliable and clean energy for the city of over 20 million residents. Although Lagos had already approved 15 renewable energy distribution projects, the governor acknowledged access to funding as a significant hurdle.
He stressed that while Africa possesses the resources for the renewable energy transition, investors needed to be willing to assume initial risks and that financing systems should recognize the continent's unique challenges and opportunities.
At the Global Africa Business Initiative, Sanwo-Olu discussed Lagos' ambition to capitalize on its growing global profile by creating opportunities for residents in areas such as transportation, healthcare, and support for young entrepreneurs. He urged the international community to translate their attention into infrastructure development, investments, and opportunities for Lagos.
In discussions with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Sanwo-Olu connected climate action, artificial intelligence, and Africa's young population to Lagos' development priorities, emphasizing the need to create an environment where Lagosians could compete globally.
Climate change emerged as a dominant theme during Sanwo-Olu's UNGA engagements. On September 23, he hosted a roundtable discussion involving the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals, UN Global Compact Networks, and partners from Africa and the Caribbean. The conversation centered on protecting Lagos' coastlines, infrastructure, and putting in place financing mechanisms before the next major climate event.
As a coastal city facing flooding and the pressure of climate change on roads, homes, and businesses, Sanwo-Olu stressed that government efforts alone would be insufficient, calling for stronger private-sector partnerships. He also underscored that Lagos' climate action could drive economic development, recycling, clean energy, and job creation.
Sanwo-Olu repeatedly emphasized the critical role of financing in turning climate action plans into projects. At the UN Headquarters, he joined California Governor Gavin Newsom at a UN high-level meeting on Climate Action and the Just Transition, following the formalization of Lagos and California's sister-state partnership.
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