April 23, 2012/Temple ASAJU/Proshare
 

Experts and stakeholders expressed opinions, evaluations, assessments and predictions on the possible place of Nigeria, and indeed Lagos state among fast developing nations this century.
 

At the just opened 6^th Lagos Economic Summit (“Ehingbeti 2012”) dwelling on Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing, economy experts and South-West governors expatiate on the theme – “From BRICS to BRINCS: Lagos holds the Key.
 

Standard Chartered London-based Regional Head of Research, Razia Khan in her speech to stakeholders says “Nigeria may not be a member of the BRICS nations today but she has every evidences of results to be one.” Advising Nigeria to create room for economical “long-termism” development in policy-making, Khan disclosed that the adoption of such creates a long-term outlook for political structures. Sharing that population alone cannot drive economic growth; the analysts encouraged the Lagos state government, which she describes as the “access to Nigeria’s economic development” to adopt a meaningful structural tax nature for investors.
 

Sharing relevant experiences from governance, a former governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson says, “Leadership is key in attracting investment in any country.” Richardson holds that “good relationship with the federal government must be sustained.” He adds that while “a regulatory environment is also needed for consistency in business, tax incentives should be given to encourage investments.” Notably, Richardson advised Nigeria to invest in Education, saying this will produce experts on the projected economical and infrastructural developments.
 

Stressing on Agricultural developments, Governor Kayode Fayemi says the Ekiti state government is engaged in discourse with Lagos state over land acquisition for yield of Agric-products. He says the Ekiti state government is set to grant Lagos with incentives on taxes and other benefits in partnership over Agriculture.
 

Ogun State’s Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun affirming that his state draws inspiration constantly from the Lagos state government contended that while the consumption rate of Lagos state remains significant, Ogun state is bent to be the food producer for the consumers. The governor noted, “if Lagos state gets it right in the area of power, Ogun state has no choice than to get it right as well.” He adds, “while Lagos state is recognised for its skyscrapers and buildings generally in the area of Housing, Ogun state will continue to produce the cements needed for the structures.” The Ogun state governor stated that there is partnership talks with the Lagos state government in the area of Transportation as Ogun state holds seriously the issue of taxation in its administration.
 

Giving judgements on the issue of Regionalisation in Nigeria, Senator Amosun maintains “Regionalisation is a must, as do the relationship between Lagos and Ogun State.” New Mexico’s former governor, Bill Richardson also advised that states must “flex their The muscles at the federal government, as the federal government is obliged to recognise the resources and commitment of the people.” Richardson explained further that he did same while serving as governor.