Lagos Government, Design Week Advocate Industrialization Development

The Lagos State Government and Design Week have highlighted the need for greater collaboration between various levels of government and the private sector to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation.

This call was made during the Design and Innovation Exhibition in Lagos, organised by Design Week in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.

Speaking at the event, Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week, highlighted the urgency of a collective effort involving government officials, policymakers, and financial institutions to drive investment in the next phase of Nigeria’s industrial development.

Ogufere said this would be primarily driven by design, manufacturing, and innovation.

She highlighted how nations that had led the world, particularly through technological revolutions or manufacturing excellence, were built on design.

Ogufere noted that the theme of the year’s event, “The Road to Industrialisation,” aimed to explore how to bridge the gap between designers and manufacturers to ensure that ideas evolve from concepts into tangible products.

She said, “History has shown us that design and industrialisation go hand in hand. True economic progress is driven by design, manufacturing, and innovation.

“The nations that have led the world, whether through technological revolutions or manufacturing excellence, have been built by design.

“We are a nation rich in talent, resources, and ideas, as seen in this exhibition, but potential alone is not enough.

“To move from vision to reality, we must create the right policies, infrastructure, and business environments that empower designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to produce at scale, not just for local markets but for export.”

Ogufere noted that to achieve rapid industrialisation, it was vital to bridge the gap between designers and manufacturers, ensuring that ideas do not remain concepts but become tangible products.

She also called for government policies that encourage industrial growth, making Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors.

She emphasised the importance of prioritising skills development to equip the workforce with advanced manufacturing expertise.

Also, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, described Lagos as the hub for industrialisation and innovation.

She said that industrialisation was a collective responsibility for both the government and the private sector.

Ambrose-Medebem revealed that, as part of efforts to transform the Lekki Economic Zone (LEZ) into Africa’s leading destination for manufacturing, trade, and investment, the Lagos State Government had introduced Operation Quadrant Ignite (OQI) to strengthen the region’s infrastructure.

She said, “The Lagos State Industrial Policy (LSIP) 2025–2030” is not just a vision but a structured roadmap designed to elevate Lagos into a globally competitive industrial hub.

“The policy aims to enhance infrastructure development by expanding industrial zones, improving transportation networks, and ensuring a stable power supply to meet the state’s growing demand.

“It will also foster a more efficient business environment by simplifying regulatory processes, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, and fast-tracking approvals for industrial projects to attract both local and international investors.”

The event also marked the launch of Operation Quadrant Ignite (OQI) by the Lagos State Government and featured the unveiling of “In Her Hands: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing in Africa,” a book by Demi Samande, Founder of Majeurs Holdings and SUSU Studios.