…Ambrose-Medebem Says Lagos Offers Major Investment Opportunities as Industry Leaders Converge at Julius Berger Soirée
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to closing the state’s housing and infrastructure gaps through structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) rather than relying solely on government funding.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Julius Berger Luminary Soirée 2026, themed “The Lagos Proposition | Unlocking Value in a City in Transformation,” held in Lagos on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The Commissioner described Lagos’ housing and infrastructure deficit as both a major social challenge and a significant commercial opportunity, stressing that government alone could not bridge the gap.
She highlighted the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, which focuses on four key pillars: a thriving economy, a human-centric city, modern infrastructure and effective governance.
According to her, the plan provides a long-term framework for attracting investment and delivering sustainable development across the state.
Ambrose-Medebem also highlighted investment opportunities in Lagos’ industrial sector, noting that the state is working to create a business-friendly environment capable of attracting both local and international investors.
She disclosed that the Ministry had attracted significant investments into the state, including a reported ₦38 billion commitment by Twinings Ovaltine Nigeria Limited, which established its first production site in Africa in Lagos.
On infrastructure and housing, the Commissioner stressed the need for deeper collaboration between government and private-sector players to address the state’s growing needs.
“No Government Budget anywhere in the World, closes a ₦6 trillion Annual gap on its own,” she said, describing the housing deficit as both a pressing social challenge and a major investment opportunity.
She cited major projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Blue and Red Line rail systems as examples of the impact of government-private sector collaboration.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, said Lagos’ economic strength and growing population required greater focus on execution, particularly in housing and infrastructure.
He reaffirmed Julius Berger’s long-standing presence in Nigeria and highlighted the company’s integrated approach to design, construction and facility management.
Also speaking during a panel session, UPDC Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Odunayo Ojo, said development along the Lekki-Epe corridor reflects growing demand, citing emerging residential and commercial developments in the area.
The Managing Director of Alaro City, Mr. Yomi Ademola, described the Alaro City project as a successful public-private partnership with the Lagos State Government, commending the state for its business-friendly and pragmatic approach.
Similarly, the Chairman and CEO of Ove Arup and Partners Nigeria Limited, Engr. Kunle Adebajo, FNSE, advocated a hybrid approach to infrastructure development, with government providing foundational infrastructure while developers build upon it.
The event brought together government officials, developers, financiers, engineers, investors and other stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and the future development of Lagos.