Lagos Takes Bold Steps to Safeguard Coastline and Combat Climate Change Risks

The Lagos State Government is taking strong steps to protect its coastline and deal with climate change. Recently, Kunle Adesina, the spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, shared insights from the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

At the conference, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab emphasized that Lagos faces serious climate challenges like rising sea levels and heavy rainfall. “We can’t just wait for things to get worse. We are committed to building resilient infrastructure,” he said. This is crucial for a coastal state where climate risks loom large.

Wahab mentioned significant efforts already underway, such as the ongoing clearing of drainage channels to reduce flooding risks. In just two years, they have constructed 76 km of drainage systems, a strong move towards managing stormwater more effectively.

Lagos also deals with a massive waste challenge, generating over 13,000 tonnes daily. Recently, the state has shifted its waste management strategy from a simple pick-and-dump approach to a circular economy model. “We now view waste as a resource,” Wahab stated, repositioning it for energy and wealth generation instead of simply as garbage.

This approach aligns with global trends. The World Bank reports that cities worldwide face increasing waste management issues due to urbanization. Lagos’s strategy could serve as a model for other growing cities.

Overall, Lagos is not just reacting to climate threats; it’s proactively working on smart solutions to ensure a sustainable future.



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