Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged stronger action to mainstream climate change adaptation into state development plans across Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube, made the call on Wednesday at the Sub-National Dialogue on Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into State Development Plans, held at Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event was organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with the Lagos State Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCCE).
The governor noted that Lagos, with nearly 28 million residents, is one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities but also one of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. He warned that inaction could cost the state up to $29 billion, threatening infrastructure, food systems, livelihoods, and the economy.
Sanwo-Olu identified flooding as the most visible risk, with more than 1.4 million residents facing possible displacement.
“Lagos is surrounded by wetlands, lagoons, and creeks, with over 40 per cent of its landmass covered by water. This geography supports commerce and biodiversity, but it also makes us highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal flooding,” he said.
According to him, about 165 square kilometres of land across 14 local government areas could be submerged in severe flooding scenarios. The state has also lost 84 per cent of its shoreline in the last 50 years, averaging a 2.6-metre yearly erosion rate.
“Protecting our coasts will require resources estimated at over N3 trillion. This highlights the urgency of partnerships and innovative financing solutions,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu explained that Lagos is already working through the OCCCE to integrate risk assessments into housing and infrastructure projects, restore wetlands and mangroves, strengthen drainage, and build early warning systems. Capacity building for engineers, planners, and emergency managers is also ongoing to improve data-driven decision-making.
He, however, stressed that climate change challenges cannot be tackled by Lagos alone.
“Climate change does not recognise state borders. Its effects ripple across regions, from agriculture in the north to energy in the middle belt and infrastructure in the south. That is why this dialogue is so important,” he said.
The governor called on other states to share knowledge, adopt policies that integrate climate indicators into development plans, and design financing frameworks capable of attracting both local and international climate funds. He also urged private sector participation and inclusive governance that involves women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
“The seas will not wait, and the storms will not rest. We must act now with purpose and with a clear vision for a Nigeria that can thrive sustainably despite the challenges of climate change,” Sanwo-Olu said, while declaring the dialogue open.
Also speaking, the Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, said the organisation remains committed to sustainable development planning.
“We have been at the forefront of mainstreaming climate change adaptation, with a focus on Nigeria and other African countries. We have also explored strategies for aligning state priorities with the Climate Change Act, the National Adaptation Plan, and international frameworks like the Paris Agreement,” he said.
Stakeholders present included the German Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Johannes Lehne; Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Mr. Biodun Ogunleye; Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titlayo Oshodi; Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Taminu Yakubu; and Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Prof. Olalekan Yinusa.