By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Government has been recognized on the continental stage after winning the Best Green Bond in Africa at the EMEA Finance Achievement Awards for its debut N14.815 billion Green Bond issuance.
The award, presented in London, was received on behalf of the state by the Country Head of the Public Sector Group at Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Hauwa Bello, before being formally presented to the Permanent Secretary of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mrs. Alake Sanusi, in Lagos.
Speaking during the presentation, Bello congratulated the Lagos State Government on the achievement, describing the award as a reflection of the state’s prudent financial management and commitment to sustainable financing.
She urged the government to maintain the transparent and efficient management of public finances that earned it continental recognition.
Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sanusi expressed appreciation to Stanbic IBTC for accepting the honor on the state’s behalf in London.
She noted that the recognition testifies to Lagos State’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public finance management.
According to her, the award further challenges the state to sustain its fiscal discipline and continue implementing innovative financing initiatives that support sustainable development.
Sanusi dedicated the award to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing the leadership that has strengthened the state’s financial management system, as well as to the Commissioner for Finance and the people of Lagos State.
Also speaking, the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary of the State Treasury Office, Dr. John Adetola, commended the collaboration between the state and its financial partners, noting that the recognition reinforces investor confidence in Lagos State’s financial credibility.
The EMEA Finance Achievement Awards recognize outstanding financial transactions and institutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with Lagos State’s debut Green Bond earning top honors in the African green finance category.