Lagos is stepping up in Nigeria’s push for greener buildings. Recently, a key workshop took place at the Radisson Blu Anchorage. People from various sectors—government, industry, and academia—gathered to discuss sustainable building practices.
This meeting was part of the NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings Project, organized by the Green Building Council Nigeria (GBCN) along with the Lagos State Office of e-GIS and Urban Development. The initiative is supported by the World Green Building Council’s Be Bold on Buildings campaign and includes countries like Brazil, Egypt, and the Philippines.
The Scorecard project aims to help countries sync their policies with climate goals, ensuring that buildings support sustainability and resilience. Mr. Segun Williams, speaking for the Lagos State government, emphasized the city’s leadership in green reforms. He echoed Lagos’ commitment to green energy and building practices.
During the workshop, participants engaged in discussions and shared ideas on how to make national climate goals actionable at the local level. Sangeetha Ramaraj from GBCN highlighted that while there’s agreement on building codes and financing, there are challenges in enforcement and coordination. “This workshop unveils these challenges and helps us move forward,” she stated.
Representatives from various ministries and organizations attended, including the Lagos ministries of Housing and Environment. Mojisola Jacob Clara from Osun State shared her efforts to integrate resilience into planning processes through collaboration and joint workshops.
Academics also played a crucial role. Dr. Olatunji Oladiran from the University of Lagos mentioned how they’re updating curricula to include green construction principles, preparing students for future challenges. This educational shift can help position academia as a vital force in implementing sustainable practices.
Omoyemi Olayiwola, from GBCN, noted that the workshop produced over 45 actionable ideas. However, she stressed that the real goal is measurable impact—ensuring that policies lead to real change. “The Scorecard seeks to transform good intentions into tangible results,” she said.
This workshop is the first of many regional discussions focused on localizing Nigeria’s Action Plan for Decarbonisation and Resilience. More workshops are scheduled in other regions leading up to COP30, where the construction sector’s role in climate strategies will be pivotal. The global construction sector accounts for nearly 40% of energy-related emissions, highlighting the urgency of this conversation.
Danjuma Waniko, President of GBCN, conveyed optimism: “Nigeria can set a strong example in Africa. Our buildings should be part of the solution, not the problem.”
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Olajide Abiodun Babatunde,Radisson Blu Anchorage,Segun Williams
