Lagos, Lebanon Seek Stronger Economic, Institutional Ties as SSG Hosts Lebanese Consul General

By: Sesan Rufus Awobiye

The Lagos State Government and the Lebanese Consulate General have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations through enhanced economic cooperation, institutional partnerships, tourism, cultural exchange and investment opportunities.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Lebanese Consul General in Lagos, *Mr. Mansour Chaya*, to the *Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin*, at the Lagos House, where both parties discussed strategies to strengthen existing ties between Lagos State and Lebanon.

Welcoming the Consul General, Barr. Salu-Hundeyin described Lagos as home to one of the largest Lebanese communities in Nigeria, noting that many Lebanese families have lived and thrived in the state for generations, with some becoming traditional chiefs and establishing deep social and economic roots.

 

She congratulated Mr. Chaya on his appointment and commended him for initiating discussions aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between both countries.

“The Lebanese community has become an integral part of Lagos. Many of your people have lived here for decades, built businesses, raised families and contributed immensely to our economy. Lagos is your home, and we welcome you warmly on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu,” she said.

 

The SSG highlighted Lagos’ strategic position as Nigeria’s commercial capital, describing the state as the country’s largest economy despite occupying only about 0.04 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass. She noted that with an estimated population of nearly 30 million people, Lagos remains the preferred destination for investment due to its robust economy, expanding infrastructure, technological advancement and investor-friendly environment.

She also highlighted recent initiatives of the Sanwo-Olu administration, including the launch of the *Industrial Policy* and *Invest Lagos 3.0*, describing them as deliberate efforts to position Lagos as Africa’s foremost investment destination.

 

Speaking on the state’s development agenda, Barr. Salu-Hundeyin said the government remains committed to implementing the *T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda*, with sustained investments in transportation, healthcare, education, technology, security and good governance.

 

She assured the Lebanese delegation that Lagos remains one of the safest places for investment in Nigeria, encouraging more Lebanese businesses and investors to choose the state as their preferred destination.

 

“When you’re thinking of bringing more Lebanese investors to Nigeria, think Lagos first. We have the population, the technology, the infrastructure, security and the governance framework that gives investors confidence. We also look forward to expanding educational and cultural exchange programmes with the Lebanese community,” she added.

 

Earlier, Mr. Chaya expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing it as a privilege to begin formal engagements with the Lagos State Government barely three months after assuming office.

He said one of his major priorities is to elevate the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Lebanon beyond consular services by strengthening economic cooperation, institutional partnerships and people-to-people connections.

 

“As Consul General, our responsibility goes beyond attending to consular matters. We are here to advance a broader economic agenda, deepen bilateral relations and create more opportunities for collaboration between Lebanon and Nigeria, particularly Lagos State,” he said.

 

The Consul General noted that the Lebanese community in Nigeria, now spanning fourth and fifth generations, continues to make significant contributions to commerce and national development. He pledged to work towards creating a stronger ecosystem that would encourage trade, investment and sustainable partnerships between both countries.

 

Mr. Chaya also identified tourism as a key sector for future collaboration, expressing optimism that direct tourism links between Nigeria and Lebanon could become a reality in the future. He pointed out that Lebanon already operates two weekly flights from Lagos, making the city one of the country’s earliest aviation gateways into Africa.

 

Responding to questions from officials and journalists, the Consul General revealed that he had approved over 1,000 visas for Nigerians within his first month in office, describing it as evidence of growing interest in Lebanon among Nigerians.

 

He stressed that while commercial relations remain important, both countries should focus more on strengthening institutional cooperation through bilateral agreements involving government agencies, customs administration, tourism, education and other strategic sectors.

 

“We want to move beyond business transactions to stronger institutional relationships. Trade is important, but we also need more collaboration between our public institutions, greater cultural exchange and stronger people-to-people engagement. These are the foundations for sustainable partnerships,” he said.

 

Discussions also explored the possibility of establishing a **city-to-city partnership between Lagos and Beirut**, Lebanon’s capital, as a platform for cooperation in urban development, commerce, tourism and cultural exchange.

 

Mr. Chaya welcomed the proposal, noting that Beirut shares similarities with Lagos as Lebanon’s commercial and economic hub and could serve as an ideal partner city for future collaboration.

 

He further encouraged greater participation by Lebanese companies in sectors such as infrastructure, energy and manufacturing, while expressing optimism that more Nigerian businesses would also explore investment opportunities in Lebanon.

 

According to him, building trust between governments, institutions, businesses and citizens remains the cornerstone of stronger bilateral relations.

 

“We are here to create more avenues for collaboration because once trust exists between institutions and between our people, every other aspect of cooperation becomes easier. That is the future we are working towards,” he said.

 

The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism that the renewed engagement would pave the way for stronger diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between Lagos State and Lebanon in the years ahead.

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