Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hosted former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence P. McCulley, to explore actionable partnerships aimed at strengthening food security, trade, and investment in Lagos State amid rising economic pressures.
Eko Hot News reports that McCulley, who now serves as Chairman of the U.S.-Nigeria Council for Food Security, Trade, and Investment, met with the governor at Lagos House to discuss practical collaboration frameworks that can deliver measurable outcomes.
The engagement comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s worsening food situation, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting food inflation above 40 percent in 2025, intensifying concerns over affordability and supply chain stability.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for result-oriented international cooperation that directly supports agricultural productivity, food processing, and market access, while reinforcing Lagos’ role as Nigeria’s economic and logistics hub.
He reiterated that Lagos remains open to partnerships that attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen value chains capable of reducing food costs and improving food availability.
McCulley, during the meeting, highlighted opportunities for U.S.–Nigeria collaboration in agribusiness, trade facilitation, and private sector-led investment, noting Lagos’ strategic importance to regional and international markets.
Photographs from the meeting showed a formal handshake between both leaders, an exchange of wine gifts symbolizing goodwill, and a group photograph with members of the visiting delegation at Lagos House.
Observers say the meeting aligns with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader push for international engagement focused on tangible economic benefits rather than symbolic diplomacy.
Public reactions to the meeting were mixed, reflecting broader socioeconomic pressures within the state and across the country.
While many praised the governor’s continued international outreach and efforts to attract strategic partners, others expressed skepticism about progress on national food security and the everyday impact of such engagements.
Some social media users also used the opportunity to appeal directly to the state government for employment and economic relief, underscoring the human impact of inflation and unemployment.
Despite divergent opinions, analysts note that sustained collaboration with global partners could help Lagos unlock innovative solutions to food supply challenges.
The meeting further positions Lagos State as a key platform for international economic dialogue focused on resilience, growth, and inclusive development.
