Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has called on the World Bank to consider partnering with the State in funding key sectors especially in transportation, water and energy, pointing out that such collaboration would positively impact the economy of not just the State but the country at large.
Governor Ambode made the call at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja during a courtesy visit by Executive Directors of the Bank led by Mr Patrizio Pagano.
Governor Ambode who said though his administration had in the last three years invested in the provision of infrastructure across all sectors,the collaboration with the Bretton Wood institution in key sectors in the State would go a long way in boosting the economy and making life more comfortable for the people.
Responding to the issue of traffic congestion on the Airport Road raised by the leader of the World Bank delegation, Governor Ambode said it was an indication that there was an urgent need to invest massively in other modes of transportation.
He said Lagos, being a sub-national was also having challenges in providing energy to adequately power the State, as well as in the area of providing portable water to the huge population due to competing pressure on resources, adding that support to augment efforts being made by the State Government would equally be helpful.
Responding to a question on how Lagos contributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth plan, the Governor said his administration decided to reflate the economy by investing massively in key sectors which in turn touched even the lower fabric of the economy, saying the development changed the tied of the negative outlook of the country’s financial numbers, and eventually stabilized the economy.
Earlier, Mr Patrizio Pagano who described Lagos as Nigeria’s most dynamic State said the delegation, consisting 10 World Bank Executive Directors representing 96 countries, was in Nigeria to study the challenges and expectations of the partners in West Africa.
