The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has commenced a strategic partnership with the Badagry Local Government to position the ancient city as a major investment, tourism and commercial hub in Lagos State and the wider West African region.
The engagement, held with the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, focused on BACCIMA’s proposed “Invest Badagry” initiative, designed to attract investors into bankable projects and unlock the area’s vast economic potential.
Leading the delegation, BACCIMA President, Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, said the initiative represents the next phase of the Chamber’s partnership with the Local Government to transform Badagry into the “Western Gateway to Nigeria and West Africa.”
According to him, Invest Badagry is modelled after the Lagos State Government’s Invest Lagos initiative and will provide a platform for government agencies, investors, businesses and other stakeholders to connect through investment showcases, sector-focused discussions, investor deal rooms, B2B and B2G meetings, project exhibitions, site visits and deal-signing sessions.
Idris described Badagry as a strategic “Super Highway to Europe,” citing its location along the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor and its potential to facilitate cross-border trade, logistics and regional economic integration under ECOWAS and AfCFTA frameworks.
He also identified the area’s waterways and coastline as major opportunities for investment in the emerging blue economy, particularly fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture and marine logistics.
The BACCIMA President further highlighted Badagry’s rich cultural and historical heritage as a catalyst for tourism, hospitality, entertainment and the creative economy, while its available land and strategic corridors could support industrialisation, agro-processing, real estate and infrastructure development.
However, Idris stressed that critical infrastructure must accompany the proposed investment drive. He called for the establishment of an electricity sub-station in Badagry to support industrial and commercial activities.
He also appealed to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to accelerate the dredging of the lagoon from CMS/Apapa to Badagry, saying the project would enhance water transportation and support an intermodal transport system, particularly with the completion of the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway.
The BACCIMA President equally emphasised the need for proper land administration, documentation and collaboration among relevant authorities to provide investors with the confidence required to acquire and develop land for legitimate economic activities.
Hunpe Backs Invest Badagry
Responding, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe expressed strong support for the initiative and commended the BACCIMA leadership for its commitment to Badagry’s development.
Hunpe described Badagry as one of Nigeria’s premier tourism destinations, stressing that its cultural heritage and economic potential must be harnessed to achieve sustainable development and greater visibility for the area.
The Chairman also reaffirmed the importance of power infrastructure, expressing support for the proposed electricity sub-station and noting that initiatives such as Invest Badagry could help accelerate the realisation of the project.
On the proposed Badagry Deep Seaport, Hunpe stressed the need for sustained collaboration between government and private-sector stakeholders, noting that the success of major infrastructure projects depends on commitment from both sides.
He observed that delays in large-scale projects are not always caused by government processes, but can also arise from uncertainties surrounding investors and promoters. He, however, expressed optimism over renewed indications that the original investors and promoters of the Badagry Deep Seaport project have returned, describing the development as encouraging for the region’s economic future.
Technical Committee to Kick-Start Project
At the end of the meeting, the Chairman endorsed the establishment of a Technical Committee comprising representatives of Badagry Local Government and BACCIMA to commence work on the Invest Badagry initiative.
The committee is expected to drive the next stage of discussions, develop the partnership framework and work towards the proposed investment summit.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of Badagry Local Government, including the Secretary, Hon. Adagba; Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh Akwe; Council Treasurer, Mr. Hunponu Olugbenga; Special Adviser on Agriculture; representatives of Community Development; and the Chairman’s Protocol Officer, Mr. Hunga Joshua.
The BACCIMA delegation included Mrs. Adenike Alade, Director of Information; Mrs. Laguda Grace, Director of Benchmarking; Mr. Eugene Ihezuonu, Member of the Executive Council; Mr. Abiola Hamid; Mrs. Nwagwu; Mr. Olawale C. Shittu, Administrative Officer; and Miss Whenu M. Toluwani, Administrative Officer II.
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