Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Friday said the state had attracted investment worth up to $10 billion (about N162 billion) within 36 months.
Amosun disclosed this at a forum jointly organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Senate President, Chief David Mark.
He was represented at the forum by the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Bimbo Ashiru.
He said that the investment came from about 50 companies that invested in the state within the last two years.
“Before now, Ogun was nowhere in the investment circle, but today I can boldly say that we have risen to be among the first 10 investment-attracting destinations.
“In the last 36 months, over 50 companies have invested in Ogun, and the investments are worth up to $10 billion.
“The state government has made this possible through its efforts in creating an enabling environment that would attract local and foreign investors,” the governor said.
He urged the Federal Government to endeavour to provide sufficient infrastructure to encourage investment in the country.
Amosun said that lack of good roads was a major heartache for most business owners and multinationals, and called on the federal government to urgently repair and construct major roads in the country.
He advised key players in the private sector to support the government through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, adding that government should not be left alone in providing for citizens welfare.
“It is important for local and foreign investors to earn the trust of the government especially in the time of transition to a new government.
“Infrastructure is also an area where the government needs to work on to promote investment, poor infrastructure like bad roads are the bane of any investment climate.
“While this is established, it is also necessary to point out to multinationals and key players in the private sector to lend their support to the government in the form of their CSR initiatives.
“In doing this, the CSR should be done with the stakeholders or host communities leading the way.
“CSR should really be areas where the beneficiaries have identified as a need, and should also be a sustainable venture, not just something that will not last,” he said.
Amosun urged the private sector to partner with the government to promote good governance and citizens’ welfare.
NAN
