…As Sanwo-Olu is Inducted into CIS
Lagos State has emerged as the leading sub-national in Nigeria for ease of doing business, a milestone the state government attributes to sustained reforms and strategic policy alignment under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The development was highlighted on Tuesday as Governor Sanwo-Olu was formally inducted as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), at a ceremony held at Lagos House, Marina.
The event drew members of the Institute, the Lagos State Executive Council, permanent secretaries and other senior government officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu described the recognition as both a personal honour and a reflection of a growing partnership between the Lagos State Government and Nigeria’s capital market community.
He noted that Lagos’ rise to the number one position in ease of doing business is the outcome of deliberate reforms aimed at positioning the state as a premier financial and economic hub in Africa.
“Five years ago, Lagos ranked around 27th in ease of doing business. Today, we are number one. This reflects our commitment to building a modern, investment-ready economy,” the governor said.
He explained that his administration has consistently aligned public policy with global best practices, focusing on regulatory efficiency, transparency, and investor-friendly initiatives designed to attract both domestic and foreign investments.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that strengthening ties with the capital market is central to Lagos’ long-term economic vision, noting that a vibrant and inclusive financial ecosystem is critical to unlocking growth and expanding opportunities.
“The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers has remained the conscience and competence of Nigeria’s capital market. To be part of this community is to share in the responsibility of upholding market integrity, protecting investors, and deepening participation in our economy,” he said.
The governor added that Lagos would continue to collaborate with capital market stakeholders to drive innovation, expand access to finance, and promote inclusive economic growth.
With the induction, the governor earns the designation “ACS,” signifying his certification as a chartered stockbroker and recognition for professional competence and adherence to global standards in the capital market.
Earlier, President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, Oduropo Dada, commended the governor’s professional accomplishments and ethical standards, describing him as a worthy recipient of the honour.
He noted that Sanwo-Olu successfully navigated the Institute’s rigorous professional examinations, considered among the most demanding globally, demonstrating technical competence, discipline, and commitment to excellence.
“In addition to his professional achievements, he has showcased exemplary ethical conduct, earning the trust of investors within and beyond Nigeria,” Dada said.
The induction, stakeholders observed, further cements the synergy between public governance and the financial markets, reinforcing Lagos’ ambition to lead as a centre of excellence in business, finance, and investment across Africa.
The Nigerian capital market, widely regarded as one of the most developed in Africa, plays a pivotal role in mobilising long-term capital for infrastructure, enterprise development, and wealth creation. As the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos hosts the bulk of market activity, reinforcing its status as a gateway for investment into Nigeria and, increasingly, the African continent.
By strengthening institutional linkages with key market operators, analysts say Lagos is consolidating its position not just as Nigeria’s financial capital, but as a competitive hub within Africa’s evolving economic landscape.
