Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed for deeper collaboration with the World Bank Group following Lagos’ emergence as Nigeria’s best-performing state in the 2025 Ease of Doing Business report.
The governor made the call on Monday while receiving a high-level World Bank delegation at the Lagos House in Marina.
The team included the World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations, Anna Bjerde, as well as the International Finance Corporation Regional Vice President for Africa, Ethiopia Tafara.
Sanwo-Olu praised Lagos’ rapid improvement in the national ranking, noting that the state’s climb from 29th position four years ago to first place in 2024 was the result of intentional governance.
“Four years ago, Lagos was ranked 29th nationally. Last year, we rose to number one,” he said.
“That did not happen by luck. It came from being more deliberate, more consistent, and more accountable in how government works.”
The governor and the delegation discussed new areas for cooperation, including energy, agriculture, tourism, and human capital development.
He emphasized Lagos’ readiness to take on projects that would directly improve everyday life for its residents.
“We are actively seeking partnerships and investments that will raise living standards,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“Lagos is prepared to meet the requirements necessary to secure greater support, particularly for initiatives that affect people’s daily lives.”
He also reflected on the state’s achievements under the THEMES+ development agenda, stressing that measurable impact has been recorded across several sectors over the past six years.
“Millions of Lagosians have seen real improvements, and while much remains to be done, the progress is tangible,” he added.
The visit reinforces Lagos’ ongoing push for global partnerships to maintain its developmental momentum.
