Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced plans to deepen collaboration with the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as part of efforts to scale up investment in key sectors of the state’s economy.
The governor disclosed this following a high-level strategic meeting at Lagos House, Marina, with a delegation led by World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Anna Bjerde, and IFC Regional Vice President for Africa, Ethiopia Tafara.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the engagement signals a new phase of cooperation focused on driving growth in energy, agriculture, and human capital development, while attracting greater private-sector participation to support Lagos’ long-term development goals.
A major highlight of the discussions was Lagos State’s recent rise to the top of Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, a leap from 29th position four years ago.
“This progress did not happen by chance,” Sanwo-Olu said, attributing the achievement to deliberate reforms, consistent policies, and improved accountability in governance.
The governor identified several high-impact sectors where Lagos is seeking expanded World Bank backing, including power infrastructure to support industrial growth, agricultural development to strengthen food security, education and skills training for the state’s growing youth population, and targeted interventions to ease everyday challenges faced by residents.
Reflecting on his administration’s six-year journey, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that the THEMES+ development agenda remains the guiding framework for governance, noting a shift from policy promises to measurable, people-focused outcomes.
“Our focus has always been on results that citizens can feel,” he said, adding that while more work remains, the state has recorded tangible improvements in service delivery and economic performance.
The visit by senior World Bank and IFC officials underscores growing international confidence in Lagos’ economic prospects. By engaging both the Bank’s public-sector operations arm and its private-sector financing affiliate, the state aims to blend policy reforms with investment capital to accelerate urban renewal and inclusive growth.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to taking bold policy decisions necessary to attract international support and improve living standards across Nigeria’s economic hub.
