Sanwo-Olu Calls for Stronger World Bank Collaboration to Drive Development.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said Lagos State is prepared to collaborate with the World Bank Group across key sectors including energy, agriculture, tourism and human capital development.

He stated that the state was open to deeper partnerships and investment opportunities aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the standard of living for residents.

Sanwo-Olu made this known on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina, while hosting a World Bank delegation led by the Managing Director for Operations, Ms Anna Bjerde. The delegation also included the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Vice President for Africa, Mr Ethiopia Tafara.

The governor reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to reforms that attract international support, noting that the state was ready to meet the requirements for expanded World Bank assistance.

“Lagos is prepared to do more to attract investments and partnerships that will deliver real benefits to our people. We welcome collaborations that strengthen infrastructure and drive inclusive growth,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted the progress recorded under the THEMES+ agenda, explaining that its implementation had produced tangible benefits for millions of residents. He revealed that Lagos moved from 29th to first place in the national Ease of Doing Business ranking within four years.

“We achieved this by doubling our performance in critical areas through deliberate reforms and improved efficiency,” he added.

Earlier, Ms Bjerde said the World Bank Group was eager to deepen engagement with Lagos because of its strategic role and reform-focused approach. She described the state as a key stakeholder, pointing to the stability created by recent economic and policy reforms.

According to her, the initiatives being implemented in Lagos reflect solutions that can be applied nationally, while policy consistency in Nigeria has improved predictability for investors.

Bjerde commended the state for cutting down bureaucratic hurdles and strengthening the Ease of Doing Business environment. She disclosed that the World Bank planned a five-year country review to evaluate progress at both national and subnational levels, including Lagos.

She added that the institution was ready to build on Lagos’ capacity to boost private sector financing across critical sectors.