German firm plans N14bn factory in Lagos

The investment drive of the Lagos State Government received a major boost on Monday when the representative of the Knauf Group International, Mrs Isabel Knauf, expressed her company’s readiness to commence work on a N14billion manufacturing firm in the state.

This was disclosed when the German Ambassador, His Excellency Michael Zenner, led a group of German diplomats and investors on a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Zenner, while canvassing for an increased presence of German businesses in Lagos, also sought for improved bilateral trade relations with the state government.

“We are here to introduce and express our interest in business and economic cooperation, especially on food processing and building materials. A lot of allied companies in Germany also wish to join hands in the investment drive of the Governor,” the ambassador said.

In his remarks, Governor Ambode, who expressed his administration’s readiness to receive German investors, described Lagos as the economic hub of Nigeria and fifth largest economy in Africa, thereby making it investors’ first choice of destination in Nigeria.

“As the economic hub of the country, we pride ourselves as the largest of the nation’s economy with the GDP of $131billion. For any German company that wants to do business in Nigeria, Lagos is your best bet. We are committed to the rule of law and we assure you of a safer and secured environment,” he said.

The Governor, who described the visit by the German envoy as the first by an ambassador to actually visit and commit to commence immediate foreign direct investment, lauded their confidence in the Lagos economy.

He assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to do everything possible to ensure smooth take off of the project and sought to activate a state sister relationship with the city of Hamburg to further boost cooperation.

Earlier, Mrs. Isabel Knauf of the Knauf Group International had solicited the support of the Governor towards locating a $70million (N14billion) building/construction tools manufacturing company in Lagos.

She solicited the support of the Governor, saying the preference for Lagos was informed by its proximity to ports, availability of gas pipeline and a ready market.