Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has said the state is ready to work with international partners to tackle climate change, coastal erosion, flooding and other risks threatening coastal communities.
Wahab spoke at the Lagos State Governor’s Roundtable on “Insuring Our Coastlines,” held in New York, United States, alongside the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).
The commissioner said the meeting provided an opportunity for Lagos to highlight its readiness to strengthen international partnerships, access innovative financing and learn from global experiences in building a safer and more resilient coastal city.
He said the discussions went beyond policy and focused on practical ways to position Lagos for stronger cooperation and financial support in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
“For me, the conversation went beyond policy discussions. It was about positioning Lagos to build stronger partnerships, access innovative financing, and learn from global experiences as we work towards a safer, more resilient and sustainable coastal city,” Wahab said.
The high-level roundtable was organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Networks Nigeria and Caribbean. It focused on strengthening Africa-Caribbean cooperation on sustainable development and innovative financing for climate-related risks.
Wahab stressed that coastal cities facing climate-related challenges must work together by sharing knowledge, developing innovative solutions and building partnerships.
“I believe that the challenges facing coastal cities require collective action. By working with international partners, sharing knowledge and embracing innovative solutions, we can better protect our communities, infrastructure and future generations,” he said.
He added that Lagos, as a coastal megacity, remains committed to strengthening its resilience against rising sea levels, coastal erosion and flooding.
“Lagos is ready to collaborate, innovate and lead,” Wahab said.
The event brought together government officials, international investors, development finance institutions, private-sector stakeholders and other partners from Africa and the Caribbean.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also attended the event and spoke on the need to protect the state’s coastlines and infrastructure while putting adequate financing mechanisms in place ahead of future climate-related emergencies.
Sanwo-Olu said climate change was already affecting Lagos through flooding and increasing pressure on roads, homes and businesses.
“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,” the governor said.
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