Climate Change: Sanwo-Olu Urges Policy Framework For Sustainable Environment

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stressed the need to strengthen the policy framework to achieve sustainable environment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit with the theme, “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives,” held in Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said his administration would continue to lead the climate change campaign, promoting policies and initiatives for climate action.

The governor, who was represented at the event by his deputy governor, Dr Kadri Hamzat, added that the government must also continue to strengthen policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action and remain steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity and equity.

He added that climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are not left behind. Women, youth, indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented communities must have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.

Sanwo-Olu said, “We must also continue strengthening policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action and remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity and equity. Climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are not left behind. Women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented communities must have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.”

The governor added that the government must prioritise capacity building and knowledge sharing by empowering local communities with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to develop and implement adaptation strategies is essential, noting that the skills involve not only technical training but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Harping on the impact of climate change, which has not been uniform and that local contexts matter, Sanwo-Olu noted that the effects of climate change are felt most acutely at the local level, and it is at this level that adaptation strategies must be tailored and implemented.

“We have celebrated the ingenuity and resilience of local communities, whose adaptive measures from sustainable agricultural practices to innovative water management systems serve as a powerful example of grassroots climate action,” he said.

Earlier, the commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the summit serves as a clarion call to action for all stakeholders in the state to think creatively and unconventionally and take proactive measures to protect the lives and properties of Lagos residents.