THE Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his administration’s willingness to expand its relationship with the Netherlands in different sectors, especially agriculture, to ensure food security in the State.
According to media reports, Governor Sanwo-Olu made this commitment through the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who received, on his behalf, the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Mr Geoffrey Leeuwen, and his contemporary in Migration, Mr Eric van der Burg, at his official residence in Osborne-Ikoyi, recalling that the bilateral relationship had existed between Nigeria and the Netherlands for over 400 years.
Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration was ready to strengthen the existing relationship with the Netherlands in different sectors like agriculture, technology, healthcare, circular economy, and energy, among others.
On the existing relationship between Lagos and the Netherlands, Governor Sanwo-Olu recalled that the simulation for Eco-Atlantic was done in the Netherlands by a Dutch company, adding that they were still here to ensure that both countries have a lot of history of the relationship.
The Governor, while expressing hope that the trade flow between both countries would increase, disclosed that the balance of trade flow between both countries in 2022 was at 8 billion euros, with the hope that it would increase to 16 billion euros.
Similarly, the Netherlands Minister for Migration, Mr Eric van der Burg, noted that the Netherlands was committed to its migration partnership with Nigeria based on mutual priorities and to sustainable reintegration and opportunities for youth.
“Netherlands is committed to working closely with Lagos State, especially within the challenging field of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
“Nigeria’s population could double within the next 25 to 30 years. All young people will seek opportunities to create a bright future for themselves.
“We will work together to create opportunities and plan to create at least 15,000 jobs in the next four years through various incubation and vocational programs,” he assured.
