Lagos Leads In Urban Resilience With Waste-to-energy, Reforestation – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable Lagos through pioneering environmental initiatives.

He spoke  at the 33rd National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Environmental Society (NES) on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his special adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, highlighted the state’s focus on innovative waste management and reforestation efforts aimed at enhancing urban resilience.

A press release by NES president, Dr Efegbidiki Okobia which was made available to LEADERSHIP, said Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of tackling environmental challenges with modern solutions as Lagos contends with the pressures of rapid urbanization and climate change.

“Our administration has made significant strides in advancing environmental sustainability,” he said.

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“We are setting new standards for urban resilience across Africa with projects like the Lagos Waste Management Authority’s (LAWMA) waste-to-energy buildings, the Blue Box Recycling Initiative, and strategic reforestation programs.

“A cornerstone of Lagos’ environmental strategy has been the expansion of waste management systems. LAWMA’s waste-to-energy project, designed to reduce the state’s dependence on landfills, converts waste into usable energy, supporting a circular economy that benefits the environment and communities.

“These initiatives are reducing our reliance on landfills, fostering a cleaner Lagos, and promoting a green economy,” Sanwo-Olu noted.

The governor also highlighted the state’s commitment to greening efforts, which include an ambitious reforestation drive and the “One House, One Tree” campaign encouraging citizen participation in tree planting. These projects aim to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and contribute to public health.

According to Sanwo-Olu, “Greening and reforestation efforts are essential in addressing urban heat and improving air quality for the wellbeing of our communities.”

With Lagos making up only 0.1% of Nigeria’s land area but hosting 10% of its population, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the urgent need for responsible environmental stewardship. “Our approach requires strategic planning and a commitment to balancing human needs with ecosystem health,” he said.

“Through policies and programs that address climate resilience, waste management, and public engagement, Lagos is becoming a model for sustainable urban growth.”

Sanwo-Olu highlighted that Lagos is among the few African cities with a climate action plan targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.

The plan includes the expansion of clean public transportation, renewable energy projects, and sustainable urban development initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

NES president Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia praised Lagos State’s leadership in environmental protection and urged collaboration among stakeholders to ensure Nigeria’s environmental future.

Also addressing the conference, Professor of Environmental Law and former LASU Vice Chancellor, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, called for substantial investment in technological advancements to support sustainable development, citing the need for policy consistency and financial incentives.

Sanwo-Olu closed his remarks with a call to action, urging citizens, businesses, and environmental advocates to join hands in building a cleaner, greener Lagos.