LFZ seeks collaboration with Canada to drive FDI

Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), the first privately-owned zone in Nigeria, has called for collaboration with the Deputy High Commission of Canada to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) to the zone. The Chief Executive Officer of LFZ, Adesuwa Ladoja stated this in Lagos after receiving a delegation from the Deputy High Commission of Canada led by the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu. Ladoja, who expressed appreciation for the visit, said it was the beginning of a fruitful relationship that she hoped would result in new businesses from Canada setting up at the LFZ.

She explained that the zone, which is promoted by Singapore-based Tolaram, is the first privately owned special economic zone in Nigeria, covering 860 hectares. She noted that LFZ is unique in its focus on delivering ease of doing business, giving businesses a competitive edge. “LFZ offers many competitive advantages and incentives for investors interested in locating their businesses in the Zone; these include single-window clearance for regulators, enabling infrastructure, the opportunity to live-work-play and access to global markets.



One other unique benefit of the Zone in Nigeria is that it is the only Zone that is integrated with a deep seaport,” she said. She shared that the zone is a thriving destination for new investments and has already attracted over $2.75 million in capital.

Speaking during the visit, Rojas-Arbulu noted that he was impressed and amazed by the quality and the scale of operations at the Zone, adding that effort is ongoing to cement a collaboration that can generate foreign exchanges. Rojas-Arbulu acknowledged that Canadian investments have typically been region-specific but noted that the strong infrastructure at LFZ presents a valuable opportunity to attract more Canadian companies. Trade Commissioner at the Deputy High Commission of Canada, Zaya Kuyena, expressed satisfaction with the zone’s infrastructure, noting that it offers significant business opportunities in Nigeria.

He called on LFZ management to raise awareness of the zone and its trading partners, emphasizing its strong logistics capabilities and export potential. “With world-class infrastructure in place, the Zone supports all elements of the supply chain, making it an ideal destination for foreign companies looking to establish operations or export,” Kuyena said..