Lagos thrives on diversity: Speaker Obasa praises expatriates’ role in economic development

Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has called on expatriates in Nigeria to partner the federal and state governments to drive economic growth.

This is also as he lauded the organisers of the Expatriates Business Awards for recognising the vital contributions of expatriates to Nigeria’s economic development and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He noted that the influence of expatriates has been pivotal to Lagos’ rapid urban and industrial growth, and that the state has created a conducive environment where they enjoy quality living, business opportunities, and thriving tourism.

Obasa gave the commendation while delivering the keynote address as the host of the event held recently in Lagos.

Highlighting Lagos’ tourism gains, the Speaker said last year’s “Detty December” attracted 1.2 million visitors and generated about ₦416 billion ($71.6 million) in revenue.

Commending TEBA for honouring expatriates contributing to Nigeria’s economy, Obasa reiterated that Lagos remains a hub where foreign investors can thrive.

He expressed appreciation to PON Communications and the Board of Trustees for their commitment to hosting the prestigious ceremony, which, according to him, celebrates not only individual achievements but also the spirit of global

Read also: Obasa returns as Lagos Assembly Speaker

“Today, we are not just recognising individual achievements; we are celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship that transcends borders and unites us in our shared goals,” Obasa stated. “Lagos thrives on its diversity, and this event reminds us of the power of collaboration and the critical role foreign businesses and missions play in enriching our socio-cultural and economic landscape.”

Highlighting Lagos’ role as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and the second-largest city economy in Africa after Cairo, Obasa noted that the state has benefitted immensely from its openness to foreign investors. He emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and public-private partnerships that encourage expatriate participation in key sectors of the economy.

“Lagos has created fertile ground for expatriate involvement. Their contributions to key industries, international expertise, and even everyday spending in areas like housing, education, and leisure significantly boost local businesses,” he added.

The event honoured several individuals and organisations for their excellence in various sectors:

Georg Eder, MBA as Distinguished Resident Entrepreneur of The Year 2024/25, Avsatel Communications Ltd as Aviation Safety Champion of The Year 2024/25, Manoj Tagjiani won Global Excellence In Aviation Award, 5-MACE Industries Ltd won
Aviation Technology Company Of The Year 2024/25, Riyah Abdul won Diaspora Revelation Of The Year 2024/25 and Turkish Airlines won Expatriate Airline Of The Year 2024/25.

Danny Green a.k.a 237 TownCryer won
Cross-Border Talent of The Year 2024/25, Indian Community Expatriate Group of The Year 2024/25, Pascale Olumayowa Tafqa won
Expatriate Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024/25, Alice Adetona a.k.a Oyinbo Olonje won Inter-Cultural Culinary Ambassador, Lilian Bach won Diaspora Distinction Award and Zainab Fatty won TEBA Serial-Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024/25.

Janice Udogu won Heritage Embrace Award, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)
Construction Company of The Year 2024/25, Arvind Pathak
Expatriate CEO of The Year 2024/25,
Nigerbirds Engineering, Emerging Aviation Powerhouse, Ronya Man, Cross-Over Actress Of The Year, Juma Jux, Cross-Over Musician of The Year 2024/25 and Rania Elewa, TEBA Diaspora Trailblazer Award