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The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for increased private sector involvement in driving the development of Lagos State, emphasising that collaboration is crucial to achieving sustainable growth.
The governor made the appeal during his keynote address at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s 23rd Chief S.I. Edu Memorial Lecture held at the CIBN Centre in Victoria Island on Tuesday.
Represented by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Sanwo-Olu underscored that the public sector alone cannot address the challenges facing Lagos, particularly those related to climate change and urbanisation.
“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.”
He said the theme of the 2025 Memorial Lecture, “Climate-Positive Growth,” highlighted 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.
The governor emphasised that achieving this balance required input from a wide range of stakeholders, including the private sector, to create long-term solutions.
He listed several key initiatives that Lagos State had launched to further this vision, including the Lagos State Energy Masterplan.
“This plan aims to create a stable investment environment while expanding renewable energy policies,” he said.
He also outlined the Lagos Integrated Energy Resource Plan, “which aims 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.
He noted the significant progress made, including increased adoption of solar energy and the development of green spaces in underutilised urban areas.
Sanwo-Olu also spotlighted the successful transformation of a dumpsite on Olawale Dawodu Road in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA into a five-a-side Astro-Turf Football pitch and recreational spaces, helping mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve community life.
“Environmental education and community engagement are essential,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We must prioritise them for our youth, who are the custodians of tomorrow.”
