By Milton Tella – Lagos and Enugu States of Nigeria took centre stage at the annual Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS), which opened, at the City of London’s historic Mansion House in London, on Monday 7 April 2025.
CTIS brings together the Commonwealth business community with Heads of Government, senior ministers, and representatives of Commonwealth governments.
The Summit, which featured plenary sessions and high-level roundtable discussions, supported by informal networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings, attracted some of the Commonwealth’s most high-profile participants.
Speakers include Hon. Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria), Hon. Lee Kinyanjui (Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Kenya), His Excellency, Dr Hussain Ali Mwinyi (President of Zanzibar), His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Governor of Enugu State), His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor of Lagos State), The Rt Hon Alderman Alistair King (Lord Mayor of the City of London), Hon Shirley Ayokor Botchwey (Secretary-General of the Commonwealth), as well as ministers from Gibraltar and Jersey.
Governor of Lagos State, HE Babajide Sanwo-Olu used the opportunity to market Lagos with its youth population of 60-65% under 30. Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “Lagos has the largest seaport in Sub Saharan Africa and the biggest refinery” while his Enugu State counterpart, Dr Peter Mbah presented his state as a destination ready for investment with 24 hours security surveillance cameras installed and the process of business registration accomplished within 72 hours.
The Summit attracted dignitaries from across the Commonwealth, special guests in attendance include Rt Hon, The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Alastair King, His Excellency, Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe the Obi of Onitsha, Aliko Dangote Chairman of Dangote Group, Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Jim Ovia CON Chairman, Zenith Bank, Prince Mike Abiola Chairman/Publisher African Voice Newspapers UK and many others.
CTIS 2025 also featured representatives from major Commonwealth businesses, such as Lloyd’s, Open Capital, Crown Agents Bank, and Equity Bank Kenya, and representatives from major public investment organisations, such as British International Investment, and the European Bank for Reconstruction.
Discussions focussed on a wide variety of relevant issues, bringing together business leaders and senior policymakers. Sessions include high-level dialogues on reducing barriers to Commonwealth trade, unlocking investment in growth markets, artificial intelligence, and the global energy transition.
This business-to-government summit provided the necessary platform to advance discussion, re-focus on critical issues, and ensure that Commonwealth business priorities are advanced.
CTIS 2025 is sponsored by Zenith Bank as Anchor Partner, and the Government of Cameroon, as Supporter.
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) is a commercial, not-for-profit membership organisation with an official mandate from the Commonwealth Heads of Government to facilitate trade and investment.
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