Lagos partners South African province on economy, good governance

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the Premier of Gauteng Province, South Africa, David Makhura, have met to kick-start provincial relationship between the two governments on issues of economies, good governance, infrastructures and industrialization.

At a brief meeting in Lagos House, Ikeja yesterday, both said the planned bilateral relationship is geared towards benefitting the people of both countries.

According to Ambode, as Lagos serves as Nigeria economic capital, so does the province of Gauteng which hosts the city of Johannesburg serves as the economy capital of South Africa.

He said the relationship is more about commerce, harnessing the potentials of both state-province and to share ideas about issues of good governance.

“As you may be aware, as Lagos serves as Nigeria economic power-house, so does the province of Gauteng serves as economic power-house for South Africa. We need synergy to come together to have constructive relationship.  The relationship is to be focused on the strength of both parties especially in the areas of commerce and good governance. We can learn and even share ideas with each others about how to move forward,” Ambode said.

Similarly, Makhura said more than ever-before, African leaders must start realizing that the development of the continents will not be achieved at the African Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but in state-to-state, province-to-province, city-to-city and community-to-community relationships.

He added: “As Lagos is the powerhouse in Nigeria and West Africa region, so is the Province of Gauteng is the powerhouse in South Africa and Southern Africa region. As provinces, we are facing similar challenges. The economies are compatible. We understand Lagos has a number of industrial capabilities that we believe we can work with.  Gauteng has some of the best Universities in Nigeria so, does Lagos is playing host to some Africa’s best institution of higher learning.”

“So, the relationship is to spread across trade, manufacturing, education, water and infrastructures, among others. So, we both need greater synergy to work together to advance the progress of African continent. And we look forward to receive the Governor of Lagos State in Johannesburg in the next three months where we are going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on these areas of cooperation,” the Premier said.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Oversee Affairs and Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass said the state is very willing to work with the Province of Gauteng to develop human capacities and businesses.

He also assured that the state will not sign any MoU that will not be beneficial to it or its people, urging the people to support government’s efforts.