World Bank hails Sanwo-Olu’s ‘visible’ transformation of Lagos
By Esther Agbo
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has earned the commendation of the World Bank for the transformation recorded in the State over the last five years.
The multilateral institution said the State had not only been implementing programmes targeted at improving the quality of life for residents, but had also progressed in upgrading infrastructure to improve the socio-economic situation in the State.
The commendation came from the Bank’s Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Ndiama Diop, who led the institution’s top executive team on a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the State House in Marina, on Tuesday.
Diop particularly acknowledged the reforms being implemented by the Sanwo-Olu administration in the transportation sector, which has expanded multimodal transportation capability in Lagos. He said the delivery of intracity rail infrastructure and investment in waterways had positioned the State’s economy to be better than before.
He said, “I want to commend and congratulate the Lagos State Government under your leadership for the successful efforts and vision in transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has been the model for a modern city.
“The administration’s successes across various sectors are visible and they have been strategic moves in catalysing more socio-economic development and growth of the private sector. The quality of infrastructure has also improved people’s lives significantly. These are commendable achievements and we can visibly appreciate the impacts of the great efforts.”
The World Bank chief pitched collaboration with the State Government in areas where the State had been experiencing gaps, pledging funding support to improve operational efficiency.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu welcomed partnership with the multilateral institution, noting that Lagos required strategic support to boost capacity in the transportation sector.
The Governor said the State had invested heavily in providing modern transportation infrastructure, but said the Government had started to move towards a service that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
He said, “Our vision has been driven by the desire to create sustainable economic prosperity for Lagos. Through our clearly articulated development blueprint, known as THEMES+ agenda, we have been able to intervene in all aspects of governance, especially the public transportation, with the intention to move people in predictable time.”
Sanwo-Olu called for the World Bank’s collaboration in waste-to-energy and conservation drives to be championed by the Government. He also wanted partnership with the Bank on job creation and skill development, stressing that rapid urbanisation had been putting pressure on the infrastructure and economic system of the State.
