Lagos tackling pollution, climate change through global collaboration, says Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Speaking at the Lagos Sustainability Summit on Thursday, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized that Lagos is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainability by joining the ranks of C40 cities committed to science-based, collaborative climate action.
“Our city’s sustainability efforts are not just local; they are part of a broader global mission to protect people and the planet,” Hamzat stated, stressing the importance of partnerships between the private sector, civil society, and government in building the infrastructure necessary to evolve Lagos into a sustainable city.
He highlighted the need for bold, visionary thinking, emphasizing that Lagos must embrace solutions that foster economic growth while also protecting the environment and uplifting its citizens.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Environment, commended Lagos’ leadership in implementing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
He described the summit as a pivotal moment in Lagos State’s journey towards sustainability and resilience, noting that as the most densely populated city in Nigeria and Africa, Lagos faces significant environmental challenges such as coastal erosion, waste management, air pollution, and flooding.
Salako warned that the national climate and environmental agendas could falter if Lagos does not succeed in addressing these issues. “The challenges, which are generally more severe in Lagos than the national average, must be tackled head-on to build a sustainable and resilient city,” he said.
In her welcome address, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasized the urgency of building a sustainable Lagos, citing the increasing pressures on the city.
Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, delivered the keynote address, highlighting Lagos’ reputation as a governance trailblazer in Nigeria. However, he stressed that the journey towards achieving the 17 SDGs remains far from complete, urging Lagos to intensify its efforts.
“Research shows that most jurisdictions are behind schedule in meeting SDG targets, but Lagos has made notable progress by embedding sustainability into its everyday activities,” Olowo noted, citing the creation of agencies such as the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). He called for continued efforts to meet the global goals for sustainable development.
The summit brought together stakeholders across various sectors, aiming to forge new collaborations to address Lagos’ pressing environmental challenges and secure a sustainable future for the city.
