Lagos State has officially thrown its hat into the ring, expressing a firm interest in hosting the COP32 United Nations Climate Summit in 2027. This declaration, more than a mere expression of intent, signals a strategic move by the state to position itself as a leading force in global climate action. At the heart of this ambition lies a bold target: to attract $1 billion in green investments by 2027.
The announcement was made by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, during an art and exhibition symposium held at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
This event, aptly titled “The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove and Art,” was not just a showcase of artistic expression but a platform for critical dialogue on Nigeria’s role in addressing the climate crisis.
The symposium, a joint effort between the Climate Change Council of Nigeria Secretariat and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, brought together key stakeholders, including Simon Steel, a representative from the UN’s climate arm.
Mr. Wahab’s address was a powerful articulation of Lagos’s commitment to climate leadership. He emphasized that hosting COP32 would not only elevate the state’s global visibility but also unlock significant economic opportunities.
He candidly acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Lagos, a densely populated coastal state vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. “Lagos is facing its own existential challenges,” he stated, “so we have no choice but to key into the mro to protect us.”
This statement underscored the urgency of the situation and the state’s unwavering resolve to collaborate with all relevant agencies to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.
Simon Steel, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, provided a crucial international perspective. He acknowledged Nigeria’s potential to contribute meaningfully to global climate action and to reap the benefits of a green economy.
He highlighted the transformative power of climate action, emphasizing that it could serve as a “gateway to a new era of growth and prosperity, fueled by clean and affordable energy.” Steel further elaborated that a “new strong National Climate plan or nationally determined contribution under the Paris agreement can supercharge the Nigerian economy with green growth and sustainable development.”
The Special Advisor to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts. He stressed that the multifaceted nature of climate change necessitates a shift away from isolated approaches. “We can no longer afford to work in silos,” he asserted. “That is why this symposium’s theme, intersecting worlds of climate change, man Grove and art, is so timely.”
This call for interdisciplinary collaboration resonated throughout the symposium, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives to tackle the complex challenges posed by climate change.
The Lagos State government reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating climate change and safeguarding its ecosystem.
The state has already implemented a range of policies and initiatives, including the Lagos Climate Action Plan and the Lagos Resilience Strategy, which prioritize green infrastructure and renewable energy.
The state is actively engaged in mangrove restoration and wetland rehabilitation projects, recognizing the crucial role these ecosystems play in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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The $1 billion green investment target is a testament to Lagos’s ambition to not only host a successful COP32 but also to catalyze a sustainable transformation of its economy.
This investment is expected to drive the development of renewable energy projects, enhance sustainable infrastructure, and promote climate-resilient agriculture. The state aims to create thousands of green jobs, fostering economic diversification and sustainable growth.
