The Lagos State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting its coastline and building a climate-resilient, environmentally friendly future for generations to come.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
“Lagos, as a coastal state, faces severe climate risks from rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and excessive heat. But we are not sitting back. We are building resilient infrastructure,” Wahab said.
He emphasized the state’s proactive approach: “We must face our realities. These include the urgent need to build and take ownership of climate-resilient infrastructure.”
Highlighting recent achievements, Wahab said that over the past two years, the state had constructed about 76 kilometres of trapezoidal drainage systems across Lagos to combat flash flooding.
On waste management, he explained that Lagos, which generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, is transitioning from a linear waste disposal model to a circular economy where waste is viewed as a resource.
“We are transforming the way we manage plastic waste by banning styrofoam containers and enforcing a ban on single-use plastics starting July 1, following an 18-month moratorium for users and producers,” Wahab stated.
“In the last two years, we have chosen to categorise waste as a resource. We’ve moved from a ‘pick and dump’ approach to a more climate-friendly model where waste is now a source of wealth and energy,” he added.
Wahab reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to adopt innovative environmental policies and practices that promote sustainability, mitigate climate impacts, and secure the future.