Lagos reaffirms commitment to climate adaptation, resilient development + Photos

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a climate-resilient future through deliberate policies, strategic partnerships, and sustainable urban planning that protects the environment while accommodating the city’s rapid growth.

The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the reassurance at the Lagos Policy Dialogue on Climate Adaptation in the Gulf of Guinea: Building Preferred Futures.

According to the commissioner, Lagos has moved beyond discussions and is actively implementing concrete climate adaptation measures.

He said the State unveiled its Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, and has since been aligning its environmental and developmental programmes with the objectives of the plan.

“As a State, we have gone beyond talks;  Everything we do is now centred around protecting our ecosystem, strengthening climate resilience and driving adaptation initiatives that will safeguard the future of Lagos,” Wahab stated.

The Commissioner noted that Lagos’ recognition as a pilot location for the policy dialogue underscores the State’s leadership role in climate governance and its commitment to developing practical solutions to environmental challenges.

“The future of Lagos and the Gulf of Guinea depends on the choices we make today; Climate adaptation is no longer a future aspiration; it is an urgent necessity that requires bold action, collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting our environment for generations to come,” he said.

He observed that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, Lagos faces enormous pressure from rapid urbanisation and population growth, making it imperative to pursue development without undermining environmental sustainability.

“We must ensure that we do not sacrifice climate resilience and the environment on the altar of urbanisation; development must be designed around our ecosystem because many of the environmental challenges we face are naturally linked to our coastal geography,” he said.

Wahab warned that Lagos as a coastal city remains vulnerable to sea-level rise and other climate-related impacts, stressing that human-activities such as indiscriminate land reclamation, destruction of wetlands and encroachment on mangrove ecosystems only worsen the State’s vulnerability.

“We should not exacerbate our environmental challenges by making conditions worse for ourselves. Rather, we must conserve our mangroves and wetlands and find innovative ways to develop around these critical ecosystems,” he added.

The Commissioner reiterated that the State Government has had to take difficult but necessary decisions, including the removal of illegal structures built on wetlands and drainage alignments, in order to preserve natural infrastructure and protect communities from flooding and other climate-induced disasters.

He also stressed the importance of effective planning and enforcement of development regulations, noting that master plans must be protected by law and strictly implemented to ensure orderly and sustainable growth.

On the role of international co-operation, the Commissioner acknowledged the contributions of development partners, research institutions and the private sector in supporting climate adaptation initiatives across the Gulf of Guinea.

“Our foreign and private sector partners are helping to deepen the knowledge base, enrich conversations around climate adaptation and support the development of practical and implementable solutions; this conversation goes beyond Lagos;

“It concerns all the countries that share the Gulf of Guinea and the environmental realities that bind us together,” he said.

The Commissioner further called for greater public awareness and community engagement on climate change issues, emphasizing that citizens must understand the implications of environmental degradation and actively participate in protecting natural ecosystems.

Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olumide Oluyinka stressed the critical link between physical planning, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation, emphasizing that development must be undertaken in harmony with nature.

According to him, Lagos, despite being one of Nigeria’s most economically vibrant states, faces significant physical limitations.

With a landmass of approximately 3,577 square kilometres—about one-third of which is covered by water—and a rapidly growing population, the State has reached a point where development must extend beyond its boundaries.

He advocated for a regional development approach that promotes growth across the Southwest region to reduce the increasing pressure on Lagos.

According to him, the establishment of the Southwest Development Commission presents a unique opportunity to coordinate development across the region and create a more balanced pattern of urban growth.

The Policy Dialogue brought together policymakers, environmental experts, academics, development partners and representatives from countries within the Gulf of Guinea to deliberate on pathways for building resilient cities and communities capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.