Shettima describes Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost economic gateway

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Lagos State as Nigeria’s foremost economic gateway and a model for subnational growth.

Speaking at the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Monday, June 8, 2026, Shettima said the state serves as a testing ground for ideas and governance innovations.

According to the Vice President, Nigeria’s ambition to build a one-trillion-dollar economy will be driven by enterprise, investment, and coordinated reforms across all levels of government.

He emphasised that the nation’s economic future depends on creating an enabling environment where capital, innovation, and productive enterprise can thrive.

Addressing policymakers, global investors, entrepreneurs, development institutions, and business leaders, Shettima said Lagos is more than just a commercial capital.

“Lagos is the livewire of our continent. Lagos is the furnace in which our ideas are tested against the discipline of execution. Lagos is the great doorway through which Nigeria continues to greet the future,” Shettima said.

The vice president added that Lagos has repeatedly demonstrated that economic progress is achievable when vision is matched with competent leadership, institutional continuity, and private sector confidence.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for laying the foundation of the Lagos development model.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu planted the tree whose shade has sheltered a succession of leaders committed to futurist ideas, institutional continuity and disciplined governance.

“We have taken difficult decisions because we understand that the economy of our dream cannot be built on illusions. It must be built on productivity, discipline, competitiveness, and the courage to create a climate in which enterprise can breathe,” he said.