Sanwo-Olu seeks a sustainable environment and provides a climate action policy

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has stressed the need for a sustainable environment, assuring that his government will continue to spearhead the climate change campaign by promoting climate action policies and initiatives.

The Governor further assured that the State Government will continue to strengthen the policy framework and regulatory environment to support climate action and will remain steadfast in its commitment to social inclusion and equality.

Read also: Creating a Sustainable Environment for Lagos

The Governor was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 10th International Climate Change Summit held in Lagos recently, with the theme “Accelerating Climate Change Finance and Promoting Local Adaptation Initiatives.”

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, noted that climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups are not left behind.

“Women, youth, indigenous peoples and other underrepresented communities must have a voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” he said.

He added that the government must prioritize capacity building and knowledge sharing by equipping local communities with the skills, tools and knowledge they need to develop and implement adaptation strategies, noting that these skills include not only technical training but also fostering a culture of innovation and cooperation.

Speaking about the effects of climate change, which are not uniform, the voivode noted that the effects of climate change are most felt at the local level and added that it is at this level that adaptation strategies should be adapted and implemented.

“We honored the ingenuity and resilience of local communities whose adaptation measures, from sustainable agricultural practices to innovative water management systems, provide a powerful example of grassroots climate action,” the governor said, adding: “The summit’s theme addressed the multi-faceted dimensions of climate finance and local adaptation , recognizing that both are critical to building resilient communities and a sustainable future.”

According to him, experts drew attention to innovative financing mechanisms, from green bonds to climate insurance, as well as the importance of leveraging public and private sector investments. “These discussions highlighted the need for a systemic change in the way we perceive and use financial resources for climate action,” he noted.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that the government must continue to advocate for increased and sustainable climate financing, stressing that governments, financial institutions and international organizations must work together to fill the financing gap and ensure that resources are directed to projects that bring tangible benefits to communities and ecosystems.

He urged summit participants to emerge with renewed determination, emphasizing that the work they do today will shape the future of the planet. “Together we can accelerate climate finance, support local adaptation initiatives and create a world that is more resilient, sustainable and equitable,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, said the summit was a clear call to action to all stakeholders in the state to think outside the box creatively and develop proactive measures to protect the environment and lives of the people of Lagos.

The Commissioner noted that the summit highlighted various climate change challenges in the country, pointing out the unique geographical location of the country as it is surrounded by water, waste management, among other challenges that create both opportunities and challenges.

“Lagos as a state has its challenges; it’s a coastal place surrounded by water like the Atlantic Ocean, which means we need to think differently and change our fate by taking proactive action,” he says.