Lagos broadens environmental safeguards and fact-based administration to enhance Sustainable Development Goals

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Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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The Lagos State Government has said to strengthen climate resilience across vulnerable communities it embarked on flood risk insurance scheme in 2023 through extensive data gathering, funding arrangements and collaboration with development partners, financial institutions and relevant state agencies.

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Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, disclosed this on Tuesday, during the Annual Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

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Finnih said seven local government areas selected for the pilot phase emerged from detailed flood vulnerability assessments and data analysis to ensure effective implementation of the scheme.

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According to her, the parametric insurance initiative will provide payouts only when specific flood conditions such as heavy rainfall, river overflow and coastal flooding affect registered beneficiaries in vulnerable communities.

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She also defended the state government’s policies against single-use plastics and sachet alcohol sales, describing them as part of broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability, responsible consumption and public health.

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Speaking further, Finnih said Lagos was deepening data-driven governance by integrating reliable data systems across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to improve planning, accountability and service delivery.

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She explained that the state’s evidence-based governance model was already producing measurable outcomes through Lagos’ active participation in the Human Capital Development 2.0 Core Working Group, particularly in health, education and social development interventions.

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“Data is the bedrock of sustainable development; it allows us to move from intuition to impact,” Finih said.

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The Special Adviser also highlighted the successful coordination of Lagos State’s second Voluntary Local Review on the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, noting that the process strengthened community participation and positioned Lagos as a leading voice in localising the SDGs globally.

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Other achievements highlighted include: expanded advocacy for women’s financial inclusion, improved policy alignment across MDAs, establishment of SDG Clubs in primary schools and social impact cinema initiatives aimed at promoting behavioural change among young people.

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Finnih added that Lagos continued to participate actively in global sustainability engagements, including the United Nations General Assembly and other international development forums, to align the state’s development agenda with global best practices.

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She reaffirmed the commitment of the SDGs Office to ensuring inclusive growth, climate resilience and sustainable development as the office marks its tenth anniversary.

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