- Lagos State rose from 29th to 1st place in Nigeria’s 2025 Ease of Doing Business rankings
- Governor Sanwo-Olu met the World Bank delegation to discuss strategic investments in energy, agriculture, tourism, and human capital
- The discussions aimed to sustain Lagos’ development, attract global partnerships, and improve residents’ quality of life
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for increased collaboration and support from the World Bank Group, following Lagos’ emergence as Nigeria’s top-ranked state in the 2025 Ease of Doing Business report.
According to a post obtained from the governor’s X handle on Monday, Sanwo-Olu appealed while receiving a delegation from the World Bank Group at Lagos House, Marina. The delegation was led by Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for Operations, alongside Ethiopia Tafara, Regional Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Highlighting Lagos’ dramatic rise in the national rankings, the governor noted that the state moved from 29th place four years ago to first place in 2025. “One example is the Ease of Doing Business ranking. Four years ago, Lagos was ranked 29th nationally. Last year, we moved to first place. That did not happen by chance. It came from being more deliberate, more consistent, and more accountable in how government works,” he said.
The governor emphasised that Lagos is committed to building on this achievement through strategic partnerships and investments that will enhance infrastructure and improve residents’ quality of life. He identified key areas for collaboration with the World Bank, including energy, agriculture, tourism, and human capital development.
“We are actively seeking partnerships and investments that will raise living standards,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the state is prepared to take the necessary steps to earn greater support, particularly for projects with a direct impact on the daily lives of Lagosians.
Reflecting on the state’s progress under the THEMES+ agenda over the past six years, Sanwo-Olu noted that government initiatives have focused on delivering tangible results that residents can feel. “Millions of Lagosians have seen real improvements, and while there is still a lot to do, the progress is measurable,” he said.
Observers say the governor’s meeting with the World Bank delegation signals Lagos’ ongoing push to attract global partnerships and investment to sustain its development momentum. Analysts also note that the state’s top ranking in ease of doing business could strengthen investor confidence and accelerate economic growth across Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The discussions underscore Lagos State’s broader strategy to combine good governance, accountability, and global collaboration to maintain its leadership in economic competitiveness and improve the overall well-being of its population.
As Lagos continues to build on its national achievements, Sanwo-Olu’s engagement with international development partners appears aimed at ensuring that progress under the THEMES+ agenda translates into long-term, sustainable improvements for the city’s residents.
Microsoft to invest $1 million in training one million Nigerians on AI
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Microsoft announced plans to invest $1 million over the next two years to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) skill development for one million Nigerians.
Microsoft’s Country Manager for Nigeria, Ola Williams, stressed that the initiative aimed to position Nigeria as a key player in the global AI ecosystem by equipping individuals with the expertise to harness AI for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic competitiveness.