By Abbas Nazil
Lagos State Government has called for stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and communities to address the growing environmental challenges confronting the state and the nation.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the call on Monday during the 58th yearly conference of the Science Association of Nigeria.
Wahab said the partnership between “town and gown,” representing practitioners and academic institutions, was no longer optional but a necessity in tackling environmental concerns.
He stressed that sustainable environmental management required cooperation across different sectors, noting that the future of human survival depended on the ability to build partnerships that promote scientific solutions and informed decision-making.
The conference, themed “Science, Coastal Cities, Public Health and Social Equity in the Blue Economy,” focused on the role of science in addressing challenges affecting coastal communities and promoting sustainable economic development.
According to Wahab, the blue economy extends beyond oceans, ports, and fisheries, as it represents a broader approach to achieving economic growth through the responsible use of aquatic resources while protecting ecosystems and ensuring social inclusion.
He explained that scientific research remained essential in understanding environmental changes such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, increasing ocean temperatures, and changes within marine ecosystems.
The commissioner noted that evidence from scientific studies would help governments develop effective policies, improve planning, and prepare for future environmental risks.
Wahab highlighted Lagos’ vulnerability to climate-related threats due to its status as one of Africa’s largest coastal cities, its 187-kilometre coastline, low-lying terrain, and rapidly growing population.
He warned that issues including coastal flooding, sea-level rise, urban expansion, and ecosystem degradation required urgent and coordinated action.
He added that decisions surrounding urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation would determine the resilience of future generations.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Omobolaji Jaji, described the conference theme as timely and relevant to the realities facing coastal cities.
Jaji said Lagos, as Africa’s foremost coastal megacity, was experiencing increasing pressure from rapid urbanisation, climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, and rising public health concerns.
He emphasised that addressing these challenges would require continuous investment in scientific research, innovation, and partnerships between government institutions, academic bodies, and other stakeholders.
The officials reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to strengthening environmental policies and promoting sustainable practices that protect communities and support economic development.
