Sanwo-Olu Welcomes New Consul General Brandon Hudspeth

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger economic cooperation between Lagos and the United States in trade, investment, technology, innovation and the creative economy.

The governor made the call at a welcome reception for the newly appointed US Consul General in Lagos, Brandon Hudspeth, in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, according to a statement posted on the Lagos State Government’s Facebook page.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described Hudspeth’s return to Lagos as significant, noting his previous service in the city between 2020 and 2022 as Political-Economic Section Chief of the US Consulate.

The governor said Hudspeth’s previous experience and understanding of Lagos would provide a strong foundation for advancing economic and bilateral opportunities between the state and the United States.

According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had changed significantly since Hudspeth’s previous tour of duty and expressed the state’s interest in helping more Lagos businesses access American markets while attracting additional US investments into the state.

He also identified technology, innovation and the creative industries as areas with potential for increased collaboration.

The governor stressed the need for practical measures to remove barriers to investment and cooperation, including improving the ease of doing business, strengthening intellectual property protection and facilitating legitimate mobility and skills exchange.

Sanwo-Olu said the state’s THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda was focused on building a competitive and inclusive Lagos capable of attracting investment and creating opportunities for its growing population, particularly young people.

“We look forward to working closely with you and your team, not simply in the language of diplomacy, but through concrete partnerships that create jobs, expand markets, support innovation and give our young people greater access to opportunity,” he said.

The governor also appreciated the former US Consul General, Rick Swart, for his service and engagement with Lagos, wishing him well in his retirement from the US Foreign Service.

He assured Hudspeth of the Lagos State Government’s friendship and cooperation and wished him a successful and rewarding tenure.

In his remarks, Hudspeth commended the Lagos State Government for the transformation witnessed across the state since 2022, particularly in infrastructure development.

“I am particularly struck by how much Lagos has transformed for the better, with infrastructure development,” the consul general said.

According to the statement, Hudspeth also expressed his commitment to strengthening existing areas of cooperation and deepening bilateral relations between Lagos State and the United States during his tenure.

The reception was attended by government officials, diplomats, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders and other stakeholders.