Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday assured investors of safety of their investments in the state.

Ambode gave the assurance at the Lagos House, Alausa during a visit by the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mr Denys Gauer.

He said that the state was expanding its frontiers to accommodate investors willing to set up their businesses.

Ambode also said that his government had concluded plans on policies and strategies that would strengthen its economic ties with neighbouring French speaking countries within the West African region.

“I know that Lagos is also a major commerce city and we have not done enough to attract bilateral trade and relationship with most of the French speaking countries.

"So, it gladdens my heart that the Ambassador is here today.

“On our part, we have decided that we are going to expand relationship with our neighbours and other nations.

"That is why we decided to set up an Office of Overseas Affairs and Investments to establish a permanent structure that allows us to have good economic relationship with other nations."

The governor said that he was excited that France was deeply interested in having more economic presence in the state beyond the 50 companies it already had.

"I am excited that Tafoo is planning to set up malls in Lagos as quickly as possible.

``I am excited that Societe General Bank is coming back and also majority of the French companies are trying to ensure that they have a place in Lagos," he said.

Ambode said that the state government would create enabling environment for investors to thrive, adding that opportunities abound in the area of public transportation and security.

Earlier, Gauer said that France was interested in Lagos as it was the economic capital of Nigeria as well as West Africa.

He said that more French companies were considering establishing their presence in the state as well as partnering the state government on infrastructural development.

“The French Community in Nigeria, the greatest part of it is in Lagos not in Abuja and especially our companies are all present here in Lagos.

"We have more than 50 offices of big French companies all established here in Lagos and more are coming," he said.

Gauer said that the French Development Company was currently partnering the state in the financing of certain projects, including city planning, public transportation and waste management. (NAN)

Photo shows: Ambode