LAGOS, JAPAN TO STRENGTHEN DIPLOMATIC TIES
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has said that his administration will continue to strengthen diplomatic and bilateral ties with other countries to further boost the socio-economic and infrastructural development in the State.
The Governor gave the assurance today while receiving the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga who was on a courtesy visit to his office.
Receiving the Japanese Ambassador on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the State government understands some of the challenges being faced by Japanese companies based in Lagos and gave an assurance that the present administration is ready to resolve those issues.
According to him, a forum of government representatives and Japanese Companies in Lagos will foster an understanding of challenges faced and possible solutions.
Speaking further, the Governor emphasised that the State government has a lot to learn from Japan, particularly in solving the energy challenge facing the country, as Japan has over a million megawatts of power.
He also sought collaboration on other initiatives embarked upon by the State and made reference to a previous discussion between the Lagos State Government and some Japanese Companies on the Odomola Water Processing in Epe, seeking a revisit of the project.
While thanking the Ambassador for his donations to sports development and security, the Governor further reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the safety of every resident of the State, including Japanese citizens.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga explained that the visit was to seek further collaboration with the Lagos State government due to its importance to Japanese trade and economy, noting that bilateral ties had been established since1923 while a majority of the Japanese companies in Nigeria are based in Lagos
He disclosed that the Japan International Cooperation Agency is currently working on a variety of projects which include the power station and transmission from Lagos to Ogun.
Matsunaga added that the forthcoming Tokyo International Conference organised by Japan will focus on African Development where the Japanese and Nigerian Governments will have a bilateral interactive meeting in Tunisia
While expressing appreciation to Lagos for its support of Japanese companies, the Ambassador urged the State government to ease the movement of other Japanese companies to Lagos.