In a move aimed at strengthening international cooperation and boosting economic development, the Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to partner with Guangdong Province of China to accelerate growth in the areas of technology, tourism, culture, and the blue economy.

This significant announcement came on Friday during a courtesy visit by Mr. He Rusheng, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, to the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at her office in Ikeja.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the meeting, Salu-Hundeyin emphasized Lagos State’s openness to international partnerships that yield measurable benefits and drive sustainable development. She noted that the proposed collaboration with Guangdong would play a vital role in enhancing the livability and economic standing of the state.

Technology and Blue Economy as Pillars of Development

At the heart of this emerging partnership is a shared commitment to developing the blue economy and advancing technological innovation. The blue economy—centered around sustainable use of ocean and marine resources—presents enormous potential for Lagos, a coastal megacity with thriving port and maritime activity.

Speaking on the collaboration, Salu-Hundeyin highlighted how these sectors align with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s economic agenda for inclusive prosperity and sustainable development.

“We will explore opportunities in culture, tourism, technology, and the blue economy to drive economic growth and improve the living standards of our people,” she said.

She reiterated that Lagos State views international collaboration as a strategic tool for development and remains committed to mutually beneficial partnerships that result in measurable outcomes for citizens.

MoU in the Works to Attract Foreign Direct Investment

One of the major takeaways from the meeting is the impending signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lagos State and Guangdong Province. This MoU is expected to open the doors to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) into the state.

According to Salu-Hundeyin, the Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to implementing initiatives that promote economic welfare and elevate the standard of living for all Lagosians.

“This is not our first engagement with China, and it won’t be the last. Lagos is a state without borders when it comes to international collaboration. We are willing to collaborate as long as there are clear mutual benefits,” she stated.

Guangdong Seeks Deeper Economic Ties

On his part, Mr. He Rusheng, who also serves as the Vice President of the Guangdong People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, emphasized Guangdong’s readiness to revive and expand its relationship with Lagos State.

He recalled his previous visit to Lagos in 2019, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed optimism about reigniting the strategic partnership. Rusheng acknowledged Lagos’ regional significance, noting its role as the gateway to West African markets and its shared economic aspirations with Guangdong.

“Lagos and Guangdong have many similarities in terms of industrial growth, innovation, and global relevance. We are confident that by working together, we can drive mutual development,” Rusheng said.

He also appealed to the Lagos State Government to continue providing a supportive environment for Chinese companies operating in the state, especially those seeking to expand in sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.

Furthermore, he encouraged both parties to accelerate the implementation of key joint projects, stating that doing so would unlock greater economic and social gains for both regions.

Nigeria-China Relations on a Broader Scale

This new partnership between Lagos and Guangdong comes amid a broader push by Nigeria and China to deepen bilateral ties. Just days before the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their strategic alliance during the Nigeria-China Sustainable Business, Bilateral Trade and Investment Summit held in Lagos.

The high-level forum focused on aligning legislative priorities with trade and investment cooperation. Key agenda items included trade policy reforms, infrastructure development, and correcting trade imbalances that continue to limit Nigeria’s industrialization goals.

During the summit, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, praised the role of Chinese companies in Nigeria’s development, particularly in the delivery of major infrastructure projects such as roads, airports, and railways.

He described the partnership with China as essential to Nigeria’s legislative drive for economic diversification, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

“Our partnership with China is maturing in ways that support our national development goals. We will continue to leverage these relationships for mutual benefit,” Abbas stated.

Strategic Opportunities for Lagos

The collaboration with Guangdong offers Lagos State new opportunities to:

• Attract technology transfer and innovation to boost the local digital economy

• Expand the blue economy sector, particularly through joint investments in maritime infrastructure, port services, and coastal tourism

• Promote cultural and educational exchanges, enhancing people-to-people relationships between Nigerians and Chinese citizens

• Encourage joint ventures and trade facilitation, especially in manufacturing, fintech, logistics, and smart city development

• Strengthen urban infrastructure development through China-backed smart city models and renewable energy solutions

Looking Ahead

With the groundwork now laid for formalizing the partnership through an MoU, both Lagos and Guangdong appear poised to unlock new growth paths. The collaboration promises to deliver real economic benefits to Lagosians while reinforcing Lagos’ position as a regional economic powerhouse.

As the city-state continues to evolve as a hub of innovation and trade in West Africa, partnerships like this will play an increasingly central role in shaping its future.

Lagos State’s embrace of international cooperation—anchored in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s inclusive governance vision—is not only boosting local economic resilience but also building bridges to global opportunities. The partnership with Guangdong is the latest example of that global ambition.