By Arinze Okoro
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to addressing the growing impacts of climate change and building long-term resilience for its over 20 million residents. This renewed assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during a strategic meeting with members of the Time for Africa Foundation (TAF) at the ministry’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina, Wahab emphasized that the state government recognizes the urgent need to respond decisively to environmental challenges threatening lives, livelihoods, and the sustainability of Lagos’s rapidly expanding urban landscape. He affirmed that Lagos is not only aware of its vulnerability but is also taking innovative and people-oriented measures to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Collaborative, Data-Driven Climate Action
According to Wahab, the state’s approach is rooted in collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive governance. He explained that Lagos welcomes partnerships with both local and international organizations that can make positive contributions to the state’s environmental agenda. “The state believes in collaborations that are data-driven and people-oriented,” Wahab said. “Proper data collation is critical for government decision-making and for developing accurate predictive models that inform our climate action strategies.”
The commissioner highlighted that access to reliable environmental data remains essential for designing effective adaptation mechanisms. Through partnerships, the government aims to strengthen institutional capacity, improve waste management systems, enhance flood control measures, and promote sustainable urban planning.
He further explained that Lagos’s unique topography makes the state particularly susceptible to the effects of global warming. Despite being the smallest state in Nigeria by landmass, it faces some of the most complex environmental risks—from rising sea levels and coastal erosion to heat waves and excessive rainfall that often lead to flooding and infrastructure damage.
Understanding Lagos’s Climate Vulnerability
“Lagos is a state that lies below sea level and, as such, is exposed to various risks of climate change,” Wahab said. “These include intense heat, heavy rainfall, and rising tides that threaten low-lying communities.” He added that climate change has amplified the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, putting both urban and rural residents at risk.
Studies by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and other agencies have shown that flooding, one of the city’s most recurring problems, has been worsened by climate change and poor drainage management. In response, the government has stepped up flood control projects, desilting of major canals, and expansion of drainage networks across critical areas.
The commissioner stressed that while these efforts are ongoing, the government recognizes that infrastructure alone is not enough. Hence, the state is adopting multi-dimensional approaches—from promoting environmental education to enforcing regulations on waste disposal and land use.
Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient Future
Wahab noted that building climate resilience in Lagos requires collective action across sectors. The government, therefore, continues to engage with stakeholders, including the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners. These collaborations, he said, will ensure that the state’s climate initiatives align with global sustainability frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He assured that the Lagos State Government is open to collaborations that can foster innovation, research, and investment in renewable energy, sustainable waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure. “We are taking very deliberate approaches in tackling these challenges,” Wahab added. “The government understands the risks, has accepted them, and is working to turn these challenges into opportunities for green growth.”
Empowering Communities and Building Capacity
In her remarks, Dr. Abiodun Olushola, Founder of the Time for Africa Foundation, praised the Lagos State Government’s proactive stance on climate action. She described her foundation as a multi-initiative organization committed to promoting community development, education, health, and climate resilience across Africa.
Olushola explained that her organization works closely with global experts and stakeholders to promote inclusive, sustainable growth and financial inclusion, particularly in vulnerable communities that are often the first to feel the impacts of climate change. “Our foundation seeks to build stronger, more climate-aware communities by working with governments and local actors to provide solutions that are sustainable and people-centered,” she said.
She also expressed the foundation’s readiness to partner with Lagos through its ministries and agencies to enhance existing initiatives and co-develop new projects that address pressing environmental challenges. The partnership aims to integrate community-driven approaches into the state’s broader sustainability plans, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a greener future.
Towards a Sustainable and Climate-Smart Lagos
The meeting between the Lagos State Government and the Time for Africa Foundation underscores a shared vision of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity. It reflects a growing recognition that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a developmental one—affecting livelihoods, public health, housing, and economic productivity.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Wahab, Lagos has been implementing a range of policies designed to mainstream climate resilience into urban governance. These include the promotion of green spaces, the Lagos Blue-Green Initiative, improved waste recycling programs, and flood risk mapping to identify and protect vulnerable communities.
As the state continues to urbanize rapidly, officials emphasize that balancing development with environmental sustainability will remain central to its planning and investment priorities. Wahab reaffirmed that the Lagos State Government will continue to leverage partnerships, innovation, and community engagement to achieve its vision of a climate-smart megacity.
“Climate change is a challenge we have accepted,” he said. “Our task now is to turn that challenge into an opportunity—to build a safer, more sustainable, and more resilient Lagos for generations to come.”
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