Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue to support the construction sector by planning, coordinating, and enabling strategic investment in infrastructure that would build the basis for the State’s long-term development.
The Governor stated this during the official opening ceremony of “Big 5 Construct Nigeria” at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, adding that Lagos State was very fortunate to be hosting such a diverse group of experts, given the critical role that construction and infrastructure provision play in achieving sustainable socio-economic development, particularly in a rapidly growing and highly competitive global economy such as Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, stated that the State has a goal to generate a strong economic base for the productivity of the people, with its attendant effects on employment and innovation, and a goal to make Lagos the most attractive investment destination in Africa.
He said, “The Big 5 Construct Nigeria is West Africans’ largest event which has continued to attract more participants every year. This annual event has brought together buyers, suppliers, influencers, decision-makers and innovators, experts and educators from Nigeria and beyond. This year’s event parades investors from all works of life and countries such as Kuwait, Turkey, Dubai, China and Saudi Arabia among others”.
While appreciating the event’s opportunities and advantages, he said that without appropriate and high-quality infrastructure, it would be hard to develop employment at the pace necessary to engage the expanding young population.
While praising the organisers of “The Big 5 Construct Nigeria” for maintaining the annual exhibition, the governor stated that it has always been an event to look forward to, as it provides an excellent opportunity to network with professionals, visitors, exhibitors, and construction industry experts, as well as to gain a better understanding of the construction opportunities in Nigeria.
Builder Adeniyi Andrew Abiona (MCIOB, FMP), Project Coordinator, Southwest Zone Projects, Royal Builders Limited, also spoke at the event and emphasised the significance of Quality Control and ISO standardisation in the construction industry, urging attendees to be mindful of the quality of the building infrastructure they deliver.