Lagos moves to tackle population pressure amid climate threats

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Gov Sanwo-Olu

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Plans regional strategy with South-West states

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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The Lagos State Government has announced plans to collaborate with other South-West states on a regional development strategy aimed at easing population pressure on Lagos as part of efforts to address climate change, environmental degradation and rapid urbanisation.

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The government also reaffirmed its commitment to building a climate-resilient future through deliberate policies, strategic partnerships and sustainable urban planning that protects the environment while accommodating the state’s growing population.

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Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Abiodun Olumide, spoke on Friday at the symposium, “Lagos Policy Dialogue on Climate Adaptation in the Gulf of Guinea: Building Preferred Futures,” held at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.

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At the event, climate experts warned that without urgent interventions, including improved planning, nature-based solutions and stronger community participation, Lagos could face severe environmental consequences by 2050.

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Climate adaptation now a priority

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Wahab said Lagos had moved beyond policy discussions and was actively implementing climate adaptation measures.

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He recalled that the state unveiled its Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai and has since aligned its environmental and development programmes with the plan.

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“As a state, we have gone beyond talks. Everything we do is now centred around protecting our ecosystem, strengthening climate resilience and driving adaptation initiatives that will safeguard the future of Lagos,” he said.

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He noted that Lagos’ selection as a pilot location for the policy dialogue reflects its leadership in climate governance and commitment to practical environmental solutions.

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“The future of Lagos and the Gulf of Guinea depends on the choices we make today. Climate adaptation is no longer a future aspiration; it is an urgent necessity that requires bold action, collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting our environment for generations to come,” Wahab said.

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The commissioner observed that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, Lagos faces enormous pressure from rapid urbanisation and population growth, making it essential to pursue development without compromising environmental sustainability.

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“We must ensure that we do not sacrifice climate resilience and the environment on the altar of urbanisation. Development must be designed around our ecosystem because many of the environmental challenges we face are naturally linked to our coastal geography,” he added.

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Wahab warned that Lagos remains highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and other climate-related impacts, stressing that indiscriminate land reclamation, destruction of wetlands and encroachment on mangrove ecosystems worsen the state’s vulnerability.

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“We should not exacerbate our environmental challenges by making conditions worse for ourselves. Rather, we must conserve our mangroves and wetlands and find innovative ways to develop around these critical ecosystems,” he said.

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He explained that the government had taken difficult but necessary decisions, including demolishing illegal structures on wetlands and drainage alignments to preserve natural infrastructure and reduce flooding risks.

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Wahab also stressed the importance of enforcing development regulations and protecting master plans to ensure orderly and sustainable growth.

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He acknowledged the support of development partners, research institutions and the private sector in advancing climate adaptation efforts across the Gulf of Guinea.

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“Our foreign and private sector partners are helping to deepen the knowledge base, enrich conversations around climate adaptation and support the development of practical and implementable solutions. This conversation goes beyond Lagos. It concerns all the countries that share the Gulf of Guinea and the environmental realities that bind us together,” he said.

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He also called for greater public awareness and community participation, urging residents to play active roles in protecting natural ecosystems.

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Regional planning to ease Lagos population

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Speaking on the state’s growing population, Olumide disclosed that Lagos had begun discussions with neighbouring South-West states to promote regional planning that would distribute development more evenly across the region.

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He said the establishment of the South West Development Commission offers an opportunity to coordinate development and reduce pressure on Lagos.

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“A couple of months back, I called a meeting of commissioners for physical planning across the South-West. With the establishment of the South West Development Commission, we now have a platform to coordinate regional development.

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“We are looking at the South-West as a single development region, which means growth will be spread across the states, thereby easing pressure on Lagos,” he said.

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Olumide noted that the state had accepted the reality that it must work with nature rather than attempt to overcome it.

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He said planning authorities continued to face resistance from developers seeking to build on environmentally sensitive areas despite existing regulations.

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According to him, urban regeneration and vertical development could help reduce pressure on land while preserving the environment.

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“There has been considerable resistance. Areas designated as wetlands are still being targeted for development. In the planning ministry, we are exploring urban regeneration, including high-rise developments in suitable upland locations, to optimise land use.

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“But it is important for us to appreciate that we must live with nature. We cannot eradicate it,” he said.

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Olumide also warned residents against undertaking developments without government approval, stressing that environmental and safety considerations form part of every planning permit.

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Experts warn of 2050 risks

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Team Lead of the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, Professor Emmanuel Akyeampong, warned that Lagos faces an urgent climate challenge and called for science-driven policies to safeguard the state’s future.

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“Lagos has long experienced land subsidence. Scientists are concerned that without decisive interventions, Lagos as we know it could cease to exist by 2050,” he said.

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He urged authorities to adopt integrated planning, hybrid engineering and nature-based solutions, while ensuring scientific evidence guides public policy.

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Akyeampong also stressed the importance of collaboration among federal, state and local governments, alongside active participation by local communities.

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“Communities should not feel powerless. They must be consulted, informed and involved in initiatives such as mangrove restoration so their knowledge contributes to climate adaptation efforts,” he said.

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The symposium brought together policymakers, environmental experts, academics, development partners and representatives of Gulf of Guinea countries to discuss strategies for building resilient cities and communities capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

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