The Lagos State Government on Wednesday stated that it is evaluating pathways for a city-wide implementation of clean energy solutions to enhance climate resilience and drive economic development in the state.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, stated this at a one-day stakeholders workshop on Lagos Energy Climate Action Implementation Workshop held at the Radisson Blu Hotels, Ikeja, organised to showcase the outcome of the pilot project under the climate action implementation plan.
Gaji said climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges affecting human existence with significant implications for urban sustainability, public health, economic productivity, and environmental integrity.
Gaji, represented by the Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Mr. Micheal Bankole, stated that for a city as dynamic, complex and rapidly expanding as Lagos, unlocking clean energy potential in the informal and SME sector is not optional, but essential.
He said the workshop focuses on scaling up solar photovoltaic solutions for households and small and medium enterprises, saying this aligns directly with the objectives of the Lagos Climate Action Plan.
He said the stakeholders workshop also reinforces the government’s commitment to low-carbon development, improved air quality and enhanced climate resilience.
The Permanent Secretary said the pilot initiatives were critical not only to demonstrate what is possible but also to build institutional confidence and lay a solid foundation for scaling up successful solutions.
“Through technical assistance provided under the high-impact action areas of Energy and Waste, it became clear that policy and planning support alone are not enough; There is a strong need to translate these efforts into practical, on-the-ground demonstration projects that show real impact” he said.
He said the government recognises that for climate action to be truly sustainable, it must be inclusive, adding that Clean energy solutions, such as solar power, play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing energy poverty and supporting inclusive economic growth.
According to him “In line with our long-term climate ambitions, Lagos State has committed to reducing emissions by 20 per cent below Business-As-Usual projections by 2025, 45 per cent by 2035, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050”
“These ambitious targets place significant responsibility on the energy sector, which is central to our emissions-reduction pathway and to meeting Nigeria’s nationally determined contribution,”
He said Lagos as a state recognises that transition to renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative, adding that the process evokes economic opportunity that can stimulate enterprise, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of residents across our communities.
“We are confident that the outcomes of today’s engagement will contribute meaningfully to Lagos State’s climate governance architecture and support our journey towards a sustainable, resilient and environmentally responsible mega-city, ” he said.
He expressed appreciation to C40 Cities and partners under the UK Government-funded Urban Climate Action Programme for their continued and invaluable support to Lagos State in advancing practical and impactful climate action.
He also acknowledged other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, whose engagement underscores the importance of the government’s approach to address Climate change, adding that the shared commitment will ensure a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable future for Lagos State.
In his presentation, the Consultant on Lagos Energy Climate Action Implementation, Dr. Segun Adaju, said the pilot project under the Climate Implementation project took place in communities like Agege, Ikorodu, Yaba, Makoko, Badagry, Apapa, Isheri and Olowora, among others.
He stated that the project was tested amongst Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the selected areas as a support for the growth of their businesses with the hope of upscaling to residential areas in the near future.
Participants at the Workshop included officials of Government Ministries and Agencies, entrepreneurs, and members of Co-operative Societies.
