(L-R) Bolaji Sanyaolu (COO, CSR-in-Action), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi (GM, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency – LASEPA), Chinonso Vincent (BDM, CSR-in-Action)
On September 12, 2024, the Lagos State Sustainability Summit took place at the Eko Hotels, Lagos, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and advance sustainable development for the city. The summit, a significant event in the sustainability calendar, was marked by a compelling opening address from Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Finnih underscored the critical need for a unified approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With only six years remaining to make substantial progress, she highlighted the urgency of collaborative efforts. Dr. Finnih acknowledged the vital contributions of key bodies involved in organizing the event, including the Lagos Office of the SDGs, the Lagos State Safety Commission, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
Dr. Finnih outlined four fundamental pillars crucial for achieving the SDGs:
- Strategic Planning – Crafting effective strategies to guide sustainable initiatives.
- Resource Mobilization – Leveraging human, capital, and partnership resources.
- Advocacy and Awareness – Promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness.
- Monitoring and Evaluation – Employing data-driven approaches to assess and ensure program success.
These pillars are integral to the Lagos Development Plan 2052, which envisions Lagos as a leading mega-city in Africa. Dr. Finnih also highlighted significant projects such as the Lagos Lighthouse Project and the establishment of a comprehensive data repository to support sustainable development efforts.
Dr. Finnih’s address addressed pressing challenges, including the impact of rising sea levels on vulnerable communities. A 2022 report from the Office of the SDGs noted that 2 million Lagosians live in hard-to-reach riverine environments, underscoring the need for innovative and inclusive solutions.
The summit focused on fostering partnerships and collaborations rooted in a shared sense of responsibility for a sustainable future. Dr. Finnih emphasized the importance of tailoring projects to meet the needs of underserved communities and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainability.
In his address, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging stakeholders across the private sector, civil society, and government to unite in building systems and infrastructure that can transform Lagos into a sustainable city.
Among the summit’s highlights was the launch of the Lagos State Carbon Registry, a system designed to track and manage the state’s carbon emissions. The registry is a critical step towards reducing gas emissions and supporting Lagos’s broader climate action goals.
Dr. Hamzat stressed the importance of resilience, stating that Lagos must seize this opportunity to build a city that is both environmentally sustainable and economically vibrant. “Now is the time for bold, visionary thinking. We must embrace solutions that not only grow our economy but also protect our environment and uplift our people,” he said.
The Lagos Climate Action Plan, which sets ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, reinforced this vision. The plan will mobilise resources toward green projects, driving systemic changes needed to promote sustainable growth while protecting the environment, according to the deputy governor.
The Lagos State Sustainability Summit has set the stage for continued progress in sustainability. With the combined efforts of all stakeholders, Lagos can achieve its vision of becoming a beacon of sustainable development.
CSR-in-Action aligns with Lagos state’s call for collective action. Our initiatives also focus on forging partnerships that promote sustainable practices across various sectors in Nigeria. By engaging stakeholders, we seek to support the achievement of Lagos, and indeed Nigeria’s sustainability goals through responsible corporate behavior.