Amid adverse impacts of climate change, Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his administration would continue to strive to protect residents from the negative impact of global warming.
Speaking at the 9th international Climate Change Summit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said his administration has recognised that inaction in the face of the devastating impact of Climate Change is not an option.
He said, “No one will be left untouched. Even worse is the impact on the most vulnerable among us: Women, Children, Persons living with Disabilities, the poor. These categories of people are bound to disproportionately bear the brunt of extreme weather events.
“The Lagos State government, under my watch, is in constant discussion with the private sector, development partners and donor organisations, to find solutions and ways to better adapt to climate impact, with special emphasis on protecting women, children and people with disabilities.”
The Governor said last year, the State took a giant leap by launching the Lagos Climate Action Plan: ‘our second Five-Year Plan, covering 2020 – 2025’ that this plan highlights evidence-based and inclusive climate action that will help create a more resilient Lagos for all.
“In just a year, I can say with great confidence that the Lagos Climate Action Plan has started to deliver great and impactful rewards, including attracting the attention of critical supporters and partners.
“For example, there is the recently awarded grant by the UK Government (Future Cities Nigeria) to the Lagos State Waterways Authority to improve the ferry services across the State, which will further support our efforts to provide a truly multi-modal transport network for Lagos, with consequent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with road transportation.
He added that Lagos State has also embarked on the journey of updating our Development Plan, incorporating climate adaptation and mitigation components in each sector.
“We also have the Lagos Climate Action Plan, which requires adopting and mainstreaming into all that we do: our policy-making, as the public sector, and your business and investment strategies as the private sector,” he said.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, in his welcome address said that the event over the years has served as a conveyor of opinions and suggestions on how to manage the planet against the deadly impact of climate change with special attention to the state.
He said that climate change is the most pressing concern facing the planet and that in recent times, countries across the globe and Lagos inclusive have witnessed extreme weather events, ranging from heat waves to extreme storms, sea level rise, droughts, floods and wildlifes as a result of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.
“Therefore it has become more expedient for all of us to embark on deliberate and consistent efforts to combat the climate change crisis, if we and our future generations will have a place to call home.
There is a need for accelerated development and adoption of innovative climate technologies like business models and financial mechanisms to support green economic growth.
Bello stated that the theme for this year’s summit demonstrates the state’s commitment to climate action as a state and how new vistas of opportunities can be opened and that it promises to be action-oriented.
“We have decided to do things differently by co-opting the organised private sector from the planning stage to the delivery of the summit.
Speaking further he said that Lagos is the only state in the country that has developed and commenced the implementation of her Climate Action Plan in Nigeria.
“The state government through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has signed up to the €15m UKAID climate action implementation programme, which will support cities to accelerate implementation from their Climate Action Plans (CAPs).
“In a short while, Lagos will be benefiting from this fund in the energy and water sectors,” he added.
