Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged for more private sector involvement in driving the sustainable development of the state. Speaking at the 23rd Chief S.I. Edu Memorial Lecture organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Sanwo-Olu stressed that the challenges facing Lagos, especially those related to climate change and rapid urbanization, cannot be solved by the public sector alone.
Represented by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society, and academic institutions to build a more sustainable future for Lagos. He highlighted that investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies not only protects the environment but also stimulates economic growth.
“To make a meaningful impact, collaboration is essential. Government policies alone will not suffice,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We need the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions to join hands in building a more sustainable future. Investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies not only protects our environment but also stimulates economic growth.”
The governor further explained the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, especially in a coastal city like Lagos, which faces significant challenges like flooding and erosion. “The theme of the 2025 Memorial Lecture, ‘Climate-Positive Growth,’ highlights the urgent need to balance economic growth with environmental preservation, particularly in a coastal city like Lagos that faces threats such as flooding and erosion,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He outlined several initiatives launched by Lagos State to achieve this balance, including the Lagos State Energy Masterplan, which aims to create a stable investment environment while expanding renewable energy policies. Additionally, the Lagos Integrated Energy Resource Plan seeks to provide reliable electricity to critical infrastructure and boost renewable energy adoption across the state.
Among the key projects highlighted was the Lagos Renewable Energy Transformation Project, which aims to deliver a cleaner, more secure energy future by leveraging renewable energy solutions and improving energy efficiency. “This plan aims to create a stable investment environment while expanding renewable energy policies,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
The governor also spotlighted the transformation of a dumpsite on Olawale Dawodu Road in Ikoyi-Obalende into a five-a-side Astro-Turf football pitch and recreational space, which helps mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve community life. “Environmental education and community engagement are essential,” he said. “We must prioritise them for our youth, who are the custodians of tomorrow.”
Sanwo-Olu concluded by reiterating the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, urging the private sector to join the government in driving sustainable development and creating long-term solutions for Lagos.
