In a significant move to strengthen economic cooperation, the Lagos State Government has begun discussions with a high-level business delegation from India to explore long-term, mutually beneficial investment opportunities across key sectors.
EpeInsights learnt that the dialogue followed the recent visit of a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), facilitated by the Indian High Commission, Abuja, and led by the Indian Consul General in Lagos, Chandramaouli Kumar Kern, alongside Pranay Sinha, Second Secretary (Commerce).
Hosted at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa, the meeting focused on expanding collaboration between the two regions in areas such as; transportation, healthcare, biotechnology, cyber security, real estate, and knowledge-based industries.
Addressing the delegation, Folashade Ambrose, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, highlighted Nigeria and India’s longstanding economic and cultural ties, calling the engagement “timely and strategic.”
She outlined key investment-ready projects in Lagos, including the development of the Lagos State Medical Industrial Zone, investment in Omu Creek, expansion of the Lekki Economic Zone, development of Light Industrial Estates like Imota and strengthening of MSMEs and informal sectors
“The essence of continuous investor engagement is to align with our long-term growth plans, particularly the 30-year Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2052 and the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda,” Ambrose stated.
She also invited CII to partner in the upcoming export-readiness training program for hundreds of Lagos-based MSMEs.
Indian Consul General, Chandramaouli Kumar Kern described the visit as a “discovery mission,” adding that some delegates were visiting Nigeria for the first time.
He emphasized the need for Indian businesses to go beyond short-term trade and consider local manufacturing and long-term investments.
“I encourage CII to share their training modules for alignment with Lagos’ MSME development plans,” he said.
Pranay Sinha, Second Secretary (Commerce), also revealed that India currently offers an all-expense-paid training program for 250 Nigerians, including flights, visas, and accommodation. He encouraged Lagos State to act swiftly, as the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
On his part, Permanent Secretary, MCCTI, Olugbemiga Aina, stressed the need for both countries to deepen ties beyond trade, calling for stronger collaboration in manufacturing and skills development.
“Lagos leads in Ease of Doing Business and is pioneering private-sector-led electricity reform,” Aina noted. “We’re creating a strong foundation for middle-level technical expertise, and India’s support will be crucial in empowering local MSMEs.”
Echoing this, African Director of CII, Aditya Ghosh, said India sees Nigeria as a major investment destination. He noted that challenges like skills shortages could be mitigated through collaboration, adding, “We’re here to support Lagos MSMEs in scaling up and integrating into global value chains, especially in agriculture and tech.”
Also, the Director of Trade and Industry, Dayo Shobayo, described Lagos as a compelling destination for investment, urging the Indian delegation to tap into the State’s rapidly expanding economic ecosystem.
As Africa’s next frontier for development, Lagos is positioning itself as a major hub for trade, innovation, and industrial growth — and India may soon become a key partner in that journey.
