World Bank Seminar Opens Global Procurement Opportunities for African Businesses – Gov. Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has described the World Bank Group Business Opportunities Seminar as a practical platform for connecting African companies to global development procurement, financing, and partnership opportunities. He made this remark at the seminar held recently in Lagos.

Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose, the Governor stated that Lagos State aligns strongly with the seminar’s theme, “Procurement for Development.”

He highlighted Lagos’ position as Africa’s largest subnational economy and Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, noting that the State remains both a major market and an attractive investment destination. He added that the State’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda places the private sector at the centre of infrastructure delivery, service provision, and innovation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined several World Bank-supported initiatives implemented in Lagos, including urban transport, resilience programmes, social safety nets, MSME support, and digital governance, all of which have strengthened institutions and improved livelihoods.

He encouraged Nigerian and African companies to understand World Bank procurement standards, form strategic consortia, and position themselves as prime contractors, while reaffirming Lagos State’s readiness to co-create sustainable, bankable, and scalable projects with the World Bank and the private sector.