COP28: Lagos leads, unfolds new climate strategy roadmap, targets $10b investment

By Samuel Ogunsona reporting from Dubai

The Lagos state government has again taken the lead in Sustainable Development.

The State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu is now set to incorporate its climate change adaptability plan known as the “LAGOS CLIMATE
ADAPTATION AND
RESILIENCE PLAN (LCARP).”

The project also targets $10b investment in what represents a milestone in Africa.

The initiative was unveiled at the on-going climate Action Summit held at the Expo city, Dubai.

Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab were present at the event.

The Governor said the Lagos position as a coastal city and low line geography is not an hypothetical threat but a show of concern for sustainable livelihood.

With the new project,Lagos hopes to deal more decisively with environmental pollusion, flooding and waste management.

Experts have always expressed the fear that Lagos state, with its large growing population and its topography is characterized by low-lying terraine and coastal areas and a high-water table making it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Tokunbo also noted that if proper measure is not taken, the exposure to harsh realities of climate change like sea rise and extreme weather conditions can endanger infrastructure which is the backbone of the state.

He said, “Our position as a coastal city with its low geography exposes us to the harsh realities of climate change like sea level rise, heat wave and extreme weather conditions. This is not an hypothetical threat but an immediate concern that is endangering our livelihood, homes and inadequate infrastructure that is the backbone of our state and city.”

He sad further “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards the sustainability and reliance city and I am proud to announce that we have successfully completed a phase-two of the Lagos State climate adaptation and resilience plan”.

He siad the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to build a live-able and resilient city is undisputable.”

According to him the document is a second of all the plans developed in different stages as a response to climate challenges.”

Tokunbo however called for the collaboration of stakeholders to win the battle against climate change which has become a global threat.

“This journey is not for the government alone but collective endeavor of all stakeholders. Your involvement is essential to win the battle against the global threat called climate change.”

He said “Lagos climate adaptability and resilient plan is our strategic road map for the future and with the completion of the phase -2 of this plan, we expect the state to start experiencing significant strides in constructing resilient infrastructure, empowering communities announcing our crisis response capabilities and utilizing technology to modernize its waste management and treatment”He said.

He explained that new thirty project have been identified by the state which covers the critical areas of waste management.

He said further “We have identified thirty projects covering critical areas from waste management treatment to transportation”

“Fourteen of these identified thirty projects are ideal for public private partnership reflecting our dedication to transforming Lagos into a modern, urban sustainable city.

“Two of our key initiatives are the advanced garbage collection and the waste energy project. The néw sewage treatment plant has attracted significant investor interests and we are eager to discuss it outside this place.

He said the projects are pivotal and at the critical stage for Lagos, “we have done the technical support and good technical report as we need funding for our plan to tangible stage”

The commissioner later emphasizes on the $10billion worth of investment for the strategic roadmap plan.

He said “The project sees an investment exceeding $10b to build not just the required infrastructure but having enough redundancy to ensure sustainable future”

“Our proposed investment represents a commitment to the lives of 22 million people and maintaining Lagos as a mega city”

He spoke further that the Lagos strategy involves tapping into grants and private sector participation.