Sanwo-Olu wins world bank confidence puts Lagos on global spotlight

By Olakunle Oke 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has once again placed Lagos on the global development map as he hosted a high-powered delegation from the World Bank Group at Lagos House, Marina, reinforcing the state’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s leading investment destination.

The delegation, led by the World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Ms. Anna Bjerde, alongside the IFC Regional Vice President for Africa, Mr. Ethiopia Tafara, held extensive talks with the governor on expanding collaboration in key sectors including energy, agriculture, tourism and human capital development—areas critical to improving the daily lives of Lagos residents.

Sanwo-Olu used the meeting to showcase Lagos’ steady development strides under his THEMES+ agenda, a results-driven framework that has delivered visible improvements across infrastructure, governance and public service delivery over the past six years. He noted that while millions of residents are already benefiting from these reforms, his administration remains committed to deepening impact through stronger international partnerships.

Highlighting Lagos’ improved business climate, the governor revealed that the state recently climbed from 29th position to first place nationally in the Ease of Doing Business ranking, crediting the achievement to consistent reforms, transparency and investor-friendly policies. He assured the World Bank team of Lagos’ readiness to take practical steps to attract further global support, especially for projects that directly enhance community welfare.

The World Bank delegation commended Lagos’ reform efforts and expressed willingness to deepen engagement, particularly in infrastructure and human development initiatives capable of unlocking inclusive economic growth.

The meeting ended with mutual commitments to sustained collaboration, underscoring Lagos’ emergence as Africa’s largest sub-national economy and a model for development-focused governance in Nigeria.