As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for concerted efforts from the private sector, civil society, and governmental bodies to collaborate to save the earth by reducing gas emissions and combating climate change, even as he has taken proactive steps to transform his state into a model of sustainability by launching the Lagos Carbon Registry.
The Carbon Registry is designed to track and manage the state’s carbon emissions, providing a critical tool for mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the inaugural Lagos Sustainability Summit (LSS) 2024, put together by the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDG), Lagos State Safety Commission, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the global shift toward sustainability is not just a trend; it is the defining challenge of the new age, noting that partnership and collective responses to climate change, poverty, and inequality will shape the future of Lagos, Nigeria, and the world at large.
The governor emphasised the need for Nigerians to adapt to the changing world and manage their environment effectively, noting the world is facing numerous challenges, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, which require collective action to address.
“How we manage waste is crucial. Managing the environment is about adaptation. We must adapt to what’s happening in the world. We’ve seen floods in the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Australia, and Germany. It’s not because they lack drainage; we often make that mistake. When heavy rainfall occurs, any society can become overwhelmed. Just like pouring water into a cup, if the volume is too much, it will spill over, and nature doesn’t give us warnings; it strikes unexpectedly. So when the Ministry of Environment says a building cannot be constructed in a certain area, let’s not ethnicize it. It’s not about ethnicity or who you are; it’s about the fact that the drainage path will be affected.”
The governor stressed that Lagos State was taking bold steps towards a sustainable future, including initiatives such as the Lagos Climate Action Plan, which aims for net zero emissions by 2050.
“As we look ahead, we must embrace the opportunities before us. The global shift towards sustainability is not just a trend but a defining challenge of our age. It’s a collective response to climate change, poverty, and inequality that will shape the future of Lagos, Nigeria, and the world.
“Now is the time for bold, visionary thinking. We must seize the challenge and the chance to build a Lagos that is resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive. We must embrace solutions that grow our economy, protect our environment, and uplift our people,” he added.
For his part, Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, urged Lagosians to prioritise sustainability and focus on recycling, reducing consumption, moderation, and living in harmony with nature to promote sustainability.
Dr. Salako also mentioned the importance of Lagos in setting an example for the rest of Nigeria. He stated the federal government’s determination to create a national framework to promote a circular economy in Nigeria, which would contribute to employment generation and environmental benefits.
In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, urged Nigerians to integrate the SDGs into their financial strategies to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, emphasised the commitment of the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDG) to align its activities with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a sustainable and resilient Lagos.