World Bank hails Sanwo-Olu’s ‘visible’ transformation of Lagos

The World Bank has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the transformation recorded in the state over the last five years,
saying that Lagos had not only been implementing programmes targeted at improving the quality of life for residents but had also progressed in upgrading infrastructure to improve the socio-economic situation in the state.

The commendation came from the Bank’s Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Ndiama Diop, who led the institution’s top executive team on a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the State House in Marina, on Tuesday.

Diop particularly acknowledged the reforms being implemented by Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the transportation sector, which he said had expanded multimodal transportation capability in Lagos.

According to him, the delivery of intra-city rail infrastructure and investment in waterways, among others had positioned the state’s economy to be better than before, describing them as commendable achievements whose impact can visibly be appreciated.

“I want to commend and congratulate the Lagos State Government under your leadership for the successful efforts and vision in transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has been the model for a modern city.

“The administration’s successes across various sectors are visible and they have been strategic moves in catalysing more socio-economic development and growth of the private sector. The quality of infrastructure has also improved people’s lives significantly. These are commendable achievements and we can visibly appreciate the impacts of the great efforts,” he stated.

The World Bank chief expressed readiness to collaborate with the state government in areas where it had been experiencing gaps, pledging funding support to improve operational efficiency.

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the partnership with the multilateral institution, noting that Lagos required strategic support to boost capacity in the transportation sector.

The governor said the state had invested heavily in providing modern transportation infrastructure, disclosing that the government had started to move towards service that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“Our vision has been driven by the desire to create sustainable economic prosperity for Lagos. Through our clearly articulated development blueprint, known as THEMES+ agenda, we have been able to intervene in all aspects of governance, especially the public transportation, with the intention to move people in predictable time,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Sanwo-Olu, however, called for the World Bank’s collaboration in the waste-to-energy and conservation drive being championed by the government.

Besides, he also sought partnership with the Bank on job creation and skill development, stressing that rapid urbanization had been putting pressure on the infrastructure and economic system of the state.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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