Lagos to host 1,200 delegates for 2025 climate change summit
By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to transforming its coastal challenges into economic and ecological opportunities as it prepares to host over 1,200 delegates from 30 countries at the 2025 International Climate Change Summit.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during a world press conference at the Eko Atlantic Corporate Office, Victoria Island, ahead of the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit.
He was joined by Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu.
Wahab said the summit, themed “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” will attract global CEOs, investors, and climate innovators. He noted that Lagos aims to position itself as Africa’s climate capital through investments in coastal defenses, flood control, renewable energy, and circular economy projects.
“Through this summit, we are sending a clear message — Africa is not waiting to be rescued; we are ready to lead,” Wahab stated.
He explained that the summit will serve as a platform for governments, investors, scientists, and development partners to design practical, bankable climate solutions.
Key partners include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), African Development Bank (AfDB), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In a related development, Wahab met with state executives and chairmen of the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ikeja to strengthen efforts toward a cleaner, flood-free Lagos.
He urged residents to embrace proper waste management practices, revealing that the state is shifting from a linear waste system to one where waste is treated as a valuable resource.
Wahab also announced plans to decommission the Olusosun and Solous III landfills, which have reached capacity, while expanding operational facilities like the Epe landfill.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by Deputy Director Tuti Hebron, disclosed that the agency has developed a National Policy on the Blue Economy to enhance regulatory and operational frameworks.
Eko Atlantic City’s Development Director, Pierre Edde, represented by Joanna Fabikun, also highlighted the Great Wall of Lagos as a major coastal defense structure protecting Victoria Island and Lekki from ocean surges.
