The meeting between Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and a delegation from the World Bank Group at Lagos House, Marina, signals a welcome intention to deepen collaboration on development priorities that touch the daily lives of millions of Nigerians.
Led by Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for Operations at the World Bank, and Ethiopia Tafara, Regional Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the delegation discussed a range of issues with the governor, including energy, agriculture, tourism and human capital development.
In a post on his official X handle, Mr Sanwo-Olu said they “had an open and practical conversation” about how Lagos can work more closely with the World Bank in areas “that matter most to residents.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting partnerships and investments that will “raise living standards” and to taking “the necessary steps to earn greater support, especially for infrastructure that directly affects daily life across the state.”
Sanwo-Olu also reflected on the progress Lagos has made under its THEMES+ development agenda over the past six years, noting that “the focus has always been on delivering results that people can feel. Millions of Lagosians have seen real improvements, and while there is still a lot to do, the progress is measurable.”
A point of particular interest to development partners is Lagos’s performance in the national Ease of Doing Business ranking. The governor highlighted that the state had climbed from 29th place four years ago to first place last year, a shift he attributed to being “more deliberate, more consistent, and more accountable in how government works.”
The World Bank’s ongoing engagement with Nigeria extends beyond Lagos. The institution has indicated that its portfolio of development projects and lending operations across the country now exceeds US$16 billion, covering sectors such as education, health, social protection, energy and infrastructure. Ms Bjerde’s visit forms part of broader consultations that are expected to inform a five-year country partnership framework aimed at accelerating growth and job creation.
For Lagos, the opportunity is clear. The state’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy means that strengthened cooperation with international partners can translate into tangible benefits on the ground — from improved energy access to better-equipped health systems and expanded opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Yet intent must be matched by implementation. As the governor rightly emphasised, partnerships are earned through consistent policies and demonstrable results. The challenge now is to convert these dialogues into concrete programmes with measurable impact.
Lagos’s rise in business rankings and its openness to collaboration are promising signs. But residents will judge success not by meetings and media statements, but by reliable power, quality roads, accessible healthcare, and opportunities that lift living standards sustainably.
