…As US Commits To Deepening Democracy In Nigeria

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday commended the efforts of the United States of America in ensuring peaceful democratic transition in the last general elections in the country.

The Governor, who spoke when he received the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the concern of the United States and steps taken to ensure peaceful transition went a long way to ensure the polls was successful, noting that his commitment is to ensure that the rule of law is enshrined into governance in the state.

He also restated his administration’s determination to ensure that the ease of doing business in Lagos is enhanced through enduring security and judicial sector reforms.

He said the establishment of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, which would directly be administered by his office, is geared towards making the state more investor-friendly and safer.

“I want to say that the relationship we’ve had with the United States has been longstanding and you’ve always been a friend indeed, we just quickly want to recommit ourselves to that relationship so much that the security of every American that comes into Lagos is of utmost importance to me; you’ll see that in the last four months what we’ve been trying to do is to recommit ourselves to security and judicial sector reforms”.

The Governor who also restated his commitment to ensure that the business environment is conducive for foreign investors saying, “Under my control, the ease of doing business in Lagos is of major concern”.

“Beyond the fact that we want to improve infrastructure to allow Lagos to become globally competitive, we want to make sure that everybody that comes here must be able to work safely, live safely and must be able to do everything they want in a peaceful manner”, he said.

He also welcomed the cooperation of the United States towards ensuring a more secured Lagos as well as deepening the democratic system, saying the country as a whole can learn from the relationship between the executive and the legislative arm of government to deepen its democratic institutions.

Earlier, Ambassador James Entwistle reaffirmed the commitment of his country to ensure that the excellent relationship between the City of Lagos and the United States is extended for the mutual benefit of both, saying that the United States will continue to identify with the state government and its policies.