Politics

Sanwo-Olu Hosts Japan’s Ambassador To Nigeria At Lagos House

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 19th, 2026.

Sanwo-Olu Hosts Japan’s Ambassador To Nigeria At Lagos House

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday received Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, at the historic Lagos House, Marina. The high-level meeting underscored the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Lagos State and the Asian economic powerhouse.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both leaders to deepen conversations around trade, technology transfer, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, noting that the state remains open to strategic partnerships capable of accelerating economic growth and job creation.

According to the governor, Lagos continues to position itself as a destination of choice for foreign direct investment. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business, expanding transport infrastructure, and strengthening security to create a stable environment for investors. He expressed optimism that Japanese firms, known globally for innovation and precision, would find Lagos a fertile ground for expansion.

Ambassador Matsunaga, in his remarks, commended the dynamism of Lagos and acknowledged its critical role in Nigeria’s economic landscape. He reaffirmed Japan’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Lagos in sectors such as transportation, renewable energy, industrial development, and digital technology. The ambassador also stressed Japan’s readiness to support initiatives that promote skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

Discussions during the meeting reportedly touched on ongoing collaborations between Japanese companies and Nigerian institutions, with a focus on scaling up impact at the subnational level. Both parties agreed that stronger state-to-country relationships can complement federal diplomatic efforts and produce tangible results for citizens.

Observers note that Japan has maintained a longstanding relationship with Nigeria, particularly in development assistance and capacity building. Lagos, being the country’s economic hub, is increasingly central to these engagements.

The visit concluded with a mutual pledge to sustain dialogue and translate diplomatic goodwill into practical outcomes. As Lagos continues its drive toward becoming a globally competitive megacity, partnerships such as this are expected to play a vital role in shaping its economic future.