Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says Lagos is ready to partner with the World Bank Group in energy, agriculture, tourism and human capital development.

He said the state was open to deeper collaboration and investment partnerships to improve infrastructure and raise living standards across Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu spoke on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina, while receiving a World Bank delegation led by its managing director (operations), Anna Bjerde.

The delegation also included the International Finance Corporation’s regional vice-president for Africa, Ethiopia Tafara.

The governor said Lagos remained committed to reforms that attract global support and was ready to meet requirements for increased World Bank assistance.

“Lagos is ready to do more to attract investments and partnerships that will positively impact our people. We are open to collaboration that strengthens infrastructure and accelerates inclusive growth,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu highlighted achievements under the THEMES+ agenda, saying its implementation had delivered measurable benefits to millions of residents.

He disclosed that Lagos moved from 29th to first position in the national Ease of Doing Business ranking within four years.

“We doubled our performance across critical areas through deliberate reforms and efficiency,” the governor said.

Earlier, Ms Bjerde said the World Bank Group was keen to work with Lagos due to its strategic importance and reform-driven impact. She described Lagos as a key World Bank stakeholder, citing stability created by recent economic and policy reforms.

“What Lagos is doing is demonstrative of national solutions. Nigeria’s policy consistency improves predictability, especially for investors,” she said.

Ms Bjerde commended Lagos for reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving the Ease of Doing Business environment.

She said the World Bank planned a five-year country review to assess progress at national and subnational levels, including Lagos.

Ms Bjerde added that the institution was ready to leverage Lagos’ capacity to strengthen private sector financing across key sectors.

(NAN)