Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector and international partners to protect coastal communities and critical infrastructure from the growing effects of climate change.
The governor made the call on Wednesday after hosting a roundtable discussion involving the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Global Compact Networks and development partners from across Africa and the Caribbean.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the meeting focused on practical ways to strengthen climate resilience, protect coastlines and improve financing for climate-related projects before another major environmental disaster occurs.
He said the discussions centred on what governments and stakeholders could do differently to better prepare vulnerable cities for future climate challenges.
“I hosted a roundtable discussion with our Office of SDGs, the UN Global Compact Networks and partners from across Africa and the Caribbean to focus on what we can do differently and, more importantly, what we can do now to protect our coastlines and infrastructure and put the right financing in place before the next major climate event,” the governor wrote.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos, being a coastal city, is already experiencing the impact of climate change, particularly through recurring flooding and increasing pressure on public infrastructure.
“Lagos is a coastal city so climate change is not a distant concern for us. We see its effects in the flooding that affects our communities and the pressure it puts on our roads, homes and businesses,” he said.
The governor stressed that tackling climate change requires strong partnerships, especially with the private sector, to build resilient communities and safeguard economic growth.
“By working directly with the private sector, we are putting measures in place and building a stronger, more prepared Lagos. Government cannot do this alone. We need strong partnerships and practical solutions that will help secure our economic future,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Climate experts have repeatedly warned that coastal cities such as Lagos face increasing risks from rising sea levels, flooding and extreme weather linked to climate change. These challenges have heightened the need for sustainable investments, resilient infrastructure and coordinated action among governments, businesses and development partners.
The roundtable forms part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to promote sustainable development, strengthen climate resilience and align with global initiatives aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
