WASHINGTON, DC—On Wednesday, April 21, the U.S.-Nigeria Council (USNC) hosted a virtual roundtable with Executive Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu and U.S. Consul General Claire Pierangelo to discuss efforts to attract investment to drive economic revival amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman Terence McCulley welcomed guests, while USNC Founding Member John Coumantaros introduced the keynote speakers. USNC Honorary Co-Chair Ambassador John Negroponte closed the event with a vote of thanks to the distinguished guests.
CG Pierangelo noted the close cooperation the United States, Lagos State, and Nigeria more broadly continue to enjoy, highlighting healthcare – and the recently opened Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital – as one such example. As the most populous state and the country’s biggest economic hub, she underscored investment needs in Lagos State to combat COVID-19-induced challenges nationwide. To help with this, the Consul General highlighted several ongoing U.S. initiatives aimed at driving investment, including U.S. Trade and Development Agency-backed energy projects to support widespread electricity access throughout Nigeria, as well as frequent investment conferences and export workshops.
Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the centrality of Lagos State to Nigeria’s broader economic revival. Accounting for more than 10% of the country’s population, the Governor spoke of Lagos State’s obligation to the rest of Nigeria to lead health and economic recovery efforts. Governor Sanwo-Olu noted ongoing efforts to advance digitization by providing about 3,000 miles of metropolitan fiber optic cables to strengthen broadband penetration across Lagos State. He also discussed efforts to enhance health infrastructure, including ongoing work to better prepare for future pandemics, invest in mental health facilities, and scale up technology to digitize patient records.
Following these remarks, USNC Senior Advisor Aubrey Hruby moderated a discussion between CG Pierangelo, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and USNC members participating in the discussion. Topics included Lagos State’s “green recovery” plans, available support for start-ups during the pandemic, as well as preparations for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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