Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Friday, said the state was committed to boosting trade relations with the Republic of South Africa.
Ambode said this when the leadership of the Africa National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, paid a courtesy visit to his office in Alausa, Ikeja.
The delegation was led by the party’s Treasurer General, Dr Zwelini Mkhize.
The governor listed the areas of cooperation to include the strengthening of security toward building a safer Lagos.
Ambode said that this would not only safeguard existing investments in the state but will also attract new businesses.
“We have established Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, so that we can strengthen bi-lateral relationship.
“We need more investors to come into Lagos so that we can create employment and grow our GDP.
“Whatever it is you think we can do to increase investors from South Africa, we are ready to talk.
“We hope you will also create the same platform for businessmen from Nigeria who do business in South Africa,” he said.
Ambode also promised to commit to the existing relationship between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ANC, saying both had common ideology.
“We have so much to learn from ANC and we have so much to give in terms of the dynamics we (APC) have brought to the political landscape.
“We believe strongly that we need to do some inter party visitation and relationship,” he said.
Earlier, Mkhize said that the essence of the visit was to seek ways to strengthen bi-lateral trade between South Africa and Nigeria.
He said that the trade level between both countries was currently a high, adding that both countries stand to benefit from each other in terms of trade and investments.
Mkhize also commended the state government’s stance on the Coroner’s Verdict on the Sept.12, 2014 Synagogue Church building collapse.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its efforts in ensuring that the bodies of South African nationals involved were successfully repatriated to the country for burial.
“We do appreciate this relationship; we must say that we are very pleased to learn of your decision in terms of the Synagogue disaster in Lagos last year.
“Certainly while we all appreciate the assistance that you made to ensure that all of the victims were repatriated back to South Africa, we will continue to support whatever work is being done on your side,” Mkhize said.
Also, the Lagos State Chairman of the APC, Chief Henry Ajomale said the history of the ANC and its iconic leader, late Nelson Mandela was deep rooted.
He said that the two parties could benefit from each other on all fronts.
“Let me respectfully acknowledge our leader, late Nelson Mandela; he was a man very respected in Nigeria,” Ajomale said
