Lagos to build climate resilient infrastructure to protect residents

The Lagos government says it will build infrastructure to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor, said this at the 10th annual Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) summit held in Ikeja on Tuesday.

The governor was represented by Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, at the summit themed: “Climate Change: Man, Nature and Threat To Life: Lagos State, A Case Study”.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration intends to build embankments to protect vulnerable communities in the state from flooding.

The governor said funding would also be provided to support climate resilience, adding that collective action is required to mitigate the crisis.

“Part of the 38 projects in the climate change plan is to build an 18km embankment and sea walls which will protect over 2.7 million people, 700,000 of whom are vulnerable population, through more partnerships,” he said.

“We also plan to attract low-cost public funding and possible commercial investment to support the resilient journey.

“The power of collective action will help to create a sustainable and secure future for everyone and generations to come.

“One of the cornerstones of this administration’s approach to combat the effects of climate change has been promotion of sustainable practices and policies across various sectors.”

Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the state’s head of service, said climate change threatens the environment and poses a risk to future generations.

Muri-Okunola said the transition to renewable energy, promoting conservation and adopting eco-friendly practices will help in the battle against climate change.

Olufemi Olugbile, the president of ALARHOSPS, said the summit aims to provide “a useful guide on how, we as a society, navigate the terrain that we find ourselves in, concerning this crucial matter”.