Speaking with the media after the handover, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said the beautification project was pivotal for the state.

Wahab said the ministry was working to ensure that all unoccupied spaces were taken over and  transformed into a valuable and functional space.

He said MTN Nigeria, through its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, had adopted the Obalende Park and would redesign it into a modern facility while accommodating and taking care of the McGregor Collector during and after the project.

“We are here today to formally handover the Space; the essence is to clean, make it conducive and transform it into an environmentally sustainable space” he said.

He said the state government as well as MTN had in recent times dialogued with the transport workers in the Park, assuring them that they would not be displaced during and after the project.

Wahab outlined that the design of the Park included an organised motor garage, 60 public toilets, sleeping bays, Electric Vehicle charging points, informing that the project would be completed in 21 weeks from the date of commencement.

He maintained that the redevelopment and beautification of the space would not only make it habitable and attractive, it would also rid the space of hoodlums terrorising residents in the area.

The commissioner also inspected ongoing drainage cleaning project on George Street, Elegbata following flooding issues experienced in the Apongbon axis.

“Few weeks ago, there was a heavy  rainfall and we noticed that Apongbon was flooded due to the ongoing construction  causing unintended consequences in the area; we have moved in to clean the drainages and allow free flow of water into the Lagoon” he said.

He said the team was visiting to check the level of the work done to clean the drainages in order to deflood Apongbon and discharge effectively into the Savage /Elegbata Collector.

The team also visited ongoing channelization of System 1 Odo Iya Alaro following complaints of flooding from residents of Soluyi Gbagada and the Ministry’s intention to further open up the canal.

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Sanwo-Olu said the monthly sanitation would kick off in April.

The reintroduced sanitation will take place every last Saturday of the month from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.

The governor said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on environmental sanitation on Saturday in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was not a political contest but a serious public health and civic responsibility exercise aimed at building a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

The governor said the reintroduced sanitation exercise was designed to reach all parts of the state and deepen environmental consciousness among residents.

He added that government alone could not achieve a clean city without active public participation.

“This morning’s exercise is a very serious one and a defining moment for all of us as Lagosians.

“It is not about politics, it is not about rivalry; it is about our collective responsibility to keep our environment clean, healthy and safe for everyone,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the cleanliness of streets, markets, drainage channels and public spaces reflected the daily habits of residents.

He noted that sustainable environmental management must be driven by shared responsibility and not enforcement alone.

“A clean city is not achieved by government alone.

“It is built every day by the actions of citizens, by what we do in our homes, in our markets, in our communities and on our streets,” he said.

The monthly environmental sanitation in Lagos was officially suspended in November 2016 following a March 2015 Federal High Court ruling.

The court mandated that restriction of human movement 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. was unconstitutional, violating citizens’ rights to freedom of movement.

The government argued it was impractical for a megacity.

Eventually, former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, formally announced the cancellation of the monthly, mandatory cleanup exercise in November 2016.

Sanwo-Olu recalled that the monthly environmental sanitation was once a national civic culture observed on the last Saturday of every month, when residents voluntarily cleaned their surroundings as part of a broader commitment to public health.

“Although a court judgment ended the movement restriction that characterised the old sanitation exercise, the responsibility of government and citizens to maintain a clean environment remained unchanged.

“We respect the rule of law and the authority of the courts.

“The enforcement mechanism may have changed, but the responsibility to maintain a clean and healthy environment has not changed and will never change,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the symbolic flag-off was, therefore, intended to revive the culture of environmental sanitation through awareness, partnership and voluntary participation, rather than relying solely on enforcement or punitive measures.

He assured residents that the state government would continue to strengthen waste management systems, improve training and infrastructure, and support environmental enforcement agencies in sustaining a cleaner Lagos.

“This is about restoring a culture and a consciousness.

“We will continue to strengthen waste management, improve our training and infrastructure, and support environmental enforcement, but we need citizens to own this process,” he said.

The governor decried the indiscriminate disposal of refuse such as water sachets, plastic bottles and wrappers into drainage channels, warning that the habit was worsening flooding and undermining the state’s road infrastructure.

He said clogged drainage systems often caused roads to fail repeatedly, even after repairs by contractors, because residents continued to dump waste into gutters and canals meant to discharge storm water.

“When people dump solid waste into drainage channels, the roads will keep failing.

“You cannot repair roads sustainably when the drainage meant to protect them is clogged with waste every day,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that some roads repaired by contractors, including those handled by major firms, had deteriorated again because drainage channels were blocked by indiscriminate refuse disposal.

He urged community development associations, CDAs, market leaders, youths, religious organisations, political groups, community development committees, CDCs, and other institutions to take ownership of environmental cleanliness in their communities.

“Clean Lagos begins with daily individual choices.

“We need our market leaders, our youths, our religious institutions, our CDAs and CDCs to see environmental sanitation as a civic duty, not a government slogan,” he said.

The governor emphasised that while political offices and leadership positions were temporary, the health and wellbeing of communities were enduring priorities that should unite all residents behind the sanitation initiative.

“Leadership is temporary, but the life of our communities and the health of our people are permanent concerns.

“That is why this initiative must be bigger than speeches and bigger than any individual,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, commended Sanwo-Olu for reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Wahab described the decision as a bold step towards reviving a long-standing culture of cleanliness in Lagos.

He said the exercise, which was discontinued in 2016, was once a familiar monthly tradition that encouraged residents to dedicate time to cleaning their immediate environment and promoting healthy living.

“For those who may not know, prior to 2016, we had a culture that emphasised the importance of cleanliness, where residents set aside time once every month to clean up their surroundings,” he said.

The commissioner said the reintroduction of the exercise followed over one year of consultations and deliberations involving the state government and critical stakeholders in the environmental management sector.

According to him, the process reflected the seriousness of the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the exercise was reintroduced in a manner that was lawful, practical and supported by residents.

“This did not happen overnight.

“It took over a year of consultations and engagements for us to arrive at a consensus that it is time to bring back this important culture of environmental responsibility,” he said.

Wahab urged residents to support the initiative by setting aside one or two hours monthly to clean their homes, streets, business premises and neighbourhoods in the interest of public health.

“It is a plea to all residents that it is time for us to give up just one or two hours every month to clean our surroundings.

“That little sacrifice will make a huge difference in the quality of our environment,” he said.

He noted that traders in markets across the state already observe weekly sanitation every Thursday between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., adding that the monthly exercise would extend that discipline to wider communities.

The commissioner noted that Lagos was transitioning from a linear waste management model to a circular system that treats waste as a resource with economic value rather than as a burden.

According to him, the new approach will enable the state to convert waste into wealth, energy, compost, fertiliser and recyclable materials, thereby improving environmental sustainability and creating economic opportunities.

“We are moving away from the old system where waste is simply collected and dumped at landfill sites.

“Waste will now be seen as a resource that can generate wealth, energy, compost, fertiliser and recyclable products,” he said.

Wahab thanked stakeholders, environmental agencies, private sector operators and community groups for their support, noting that sustained collaboration would be critical to the success of the sanitation initiative across Lagos.

He reiterated that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise was not merely a government programme but a call for behavioural change and a return to community-driven environmental stewardship.

“This is not just an event; it is a movement.

“It is about changing behaviour, restoring responsibility and building a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Lagos for present and future generations,” he said.

Present at the sensitisation were the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, and the Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde.

Source: NAN

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The announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during the media briefing for year 2026 Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and socio-economic implications in Lagos State held at the Ministry’s Conference Room.

Wahab stated that the average annual rainfall amount for the year was predicted between 1650mm and 3030mm.

He said the rainy season was expected to commence as early as the last week in March while the end of season would be in the first week of December 2026.

He said specifically, Ikeja was expected to have an onset date of 31st March, cessation date of 2nd December with an annual amount of 1932mm, adding that Badagry was expected to have a rainfall onset date of 28th March and end of season date of 3rd December with an annual amount of 2010mm.

He said the Ikorodu area was expected to have a rainfall onset date of 31^st March and end of season date of 2nd December with an annual amount of 1935mm while Lagos Island would have a rainfall onset date of 30th of March, cessation date of 2nd December as well as an annual amount of 1968mm.

The commissioner added that Epe was expected to have a rainfall onset date of 29th of March, cessation date of 3rd December with an annual amount of 1984mm.

He said considering all the twenty local government areas, total average of 1965mm rainfall amount was expected in the state.

He said the prediction for this year was based on a projected weak La-Nina and a neutral phase of the El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), saying the ENSO was a climatic pattern representing the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere in the tropical Pacific Ocean

He stated the phenomenon which significantly influenced global weather and climate had three phases which included the weak La-Nina and neutral phases that were projected for the year translating to lower temperatures.

He added that it also translated to earlier rainfall onset, increased rainfall amounts and delayed rainfall cessation compared to the El-Nino or warm phase which translated to higher temperatures, late rainfall onset and reduced rainfall amounts.

He stated further that the 2026 prediction was based on a projected weak La-Nina and a neutral phase of the El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and also expected was an early to normal onset of the rainy season, normal to late cessation as well as normal to above normal rainfall.

According to him, Year 2026 is predicted to start with a weak La Nina in January, while the neutral phase of ENSO is likely to be expected to persist in the first six (6) to eight (8) months of the year; it also implies early onset of the rainy season, longer than normal length and delayed end of the rainy season of Lagos.

“As a result, above normal rainfall amounts are anticipated in the first peak of the rainy season while normal rainfall amounts are expected in the second peak of the rainy season” he added.

He recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, on the 10th February 2026 released this year’s Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP, which was a forecast of the expected patterns of rainfall, temperature and other weather parameters in the entire country.

He added that the collaboration of the Ministry and NIMET regarding the Annual Seasonal Climate Prediction had been valuable as a vital weather and early warning tool for farmers, planners, decision makers and operators in the various sectors and businesses that were likely to be impacted by the annual rainfall.

He urged residents to note that high amounts of rainfall could sometimes lead to flash flooding in some parts of the state.

He added that largely because strong winds were expected during the onset and the end of each rainy season, lives and properties might be at risk.

Wahab stated that another contributory factor to flash flooding was the rise in Lagoon level saying anytime there was high tidal movement, it might “lock up” the discharge points of drainage channels and until it receded, there would be no discharge and such occurrences also cause backflows, resorting to flooding.

He noted that as soon as the Lagoon receded, all the generated storm water would discharge and the roads would be free.

He added that the present proactive administration in response to the above phenomena, had strengthened its Flood Early Warning Systems, FEWS, to deliver reliable, timely and effective flood information at an appropriate response time.

He said the state government had put in place its own network of weather stations as well as river gauge stations to monitor the weather and river levels in the state as well as step up the preparedness for weather and flood related issues.

He reiterated that the state would continue to reap the benefits of careful and rigorous execution planning, as the flood control measures were being stepped up to contain any imminent heavy rainfalls.

He said the Ministry was continuing with its all-year-round drainage maintenance programme for effective and efficient flood control in order to ensure a flood-free and hygienic environment in addition to an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system in the state.

The commissioner noted that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, had been put on high alert to make sure advertising and communication agencies complied with regulations on the safety of erected billboards and telecommunication masts to prevent the incidences of their collapse which could be caused by high wind speed which was expected during the onset and cessation of every rainfall season.

He added that all emergency response agencies, traffic management agencies and other emergency-related organisations were in a state of full preparedness to help lessen the detrimental effects of thunderstorms that was associated with heavy rainfalls in the state when it occurred.

He said to effectively contain flash flooding, the government would continue the long-established synergy with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority, OORBDA, which had ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream reaches of the Ogun River.

“Therefore, the low-lying areas of Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo and Ajegunle communities in Lagos State will be closely monitored with respect to the likelihood of Ogun River flooding as well as all other river basins in the state” he said.

He said the government would continue to step up the enlightenment efforts to sensitize and advise communities in coastal and low-lying wetland areas of the State, to move upland when the need arises in order to avoid needless loss of lives and property.

He added that such residents included those along flood plains of major rivers and drainage channels such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, Shibiri amongst others to always be on the alert and ready to relocate to higher grounds when the need arises.

He emphasized that the government would also continue to protect the water bodies from indiscriminate discharge of solid waste as well as erection of illegal structures along the drainage alignment/setbacks.

He explained to residents that it was occasionally normal to have flash floods when it rained which would percolate or drain off rapidly afterwards.

He said it was only when flash flood remained on the roads for hours that it could be reported as flooded while pleading with the media to avoid sensational headlines that could create panic in such situations.

He advised motorists to observe prescribed speed limits on the road to avoid preventable loss of lives and property during the rainy season this year as it had been in years past.

“To our people, we sincerely appeal that they refrain from deliberate acts that can lead to flash flooding. They should stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places, clogging drains with silt or construction materials, erecting building structures within and around drainage Right of Ways and setbacks” he said.

He also advised residents to report cases of drainage blockages, waste disposal into the canals and at other unauthorized places to the resident Engineers and Zero Tolerance offices in all Local Governments statewide.

He added that the drainage engineers were also available in all the 57 Local Governments Areas and Local Council Development Areas to attend to all drainage related matters during and after the rainy season.

He charged the people to support the efforts of the state government by complementing it through the regular clearing of drains in their frontages to ensure free flow of storm water as well as prevent dumping of refuse into drainage channels.

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The governor who spoke through the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, at the year 2026 Nigeria Circular Economy Week held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, added that the aim was to continually make sure the systems outlast the present administration.

He stressed that circular economy had also helped the state to create systems that kept materials in circulation and to build markets that turned environmental responsibility into economic opportunities.

He described the theme as “Turning Challenges into Markets” as very apt because it captured how the state viewed sustainability, not as a distant goal, but as a practical approach to competitiveness, resilience, and inclusive growth.

“Our journey taught us a crucial lesson that circularity starts with good governance. Before we can reuse materials, we need functioning systems in place. Before new markets can develop, we must restore order. Before investments can flow, we need safe and predictable environments” he said.

He said the state had taken bold steps to bring order back to the urban areas by clearing illegal structures under bridges, removing blockages along drainage paths and reclaiming public land that had become unsafe and environmentally risky.

He said the actions were essential for public safety, flood prevention, and environmental protection and they also signified something deeper which was the reclamation of land and infrastructure as valuable assets.

He explained that when the government cleared drainage channels, it extended the life of the roads and public works, adding that when encroachments were removed, it restored natural flows of water which lowered the risk of flood.

He stated further that reclaiming under-bridge spaces openned up opportunities for organized public usage which would include transport hubs, markets, green spaces, and community facilities.

He stated that environmental enforcement aligned with the principles of a circular economy and it brought value back to spaces and systems that had lost their productive potential.

“Our journey taught us a crucial lesson that circularity starts with good governance. Before we can reuse materials, we need functioning systems in place. Before new markets can develop, we must restore order. Before investments can flow, we need safe and predictable environments,” he said.

He mentioned that the next step was to transform the enforcement successes into economic opportunities saying that demolition and clearance efforts yield recoverable materials like metals, timber, plastics as well as reclaimed areas can become hubs for repairs, recycling, and green businesses.

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The project which will be fully sponsored by telecommunication giant, MTN as a Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, contribution to the development of Lagos State will transform Obalende Bus Stop into an aesthetically-pleasing and functional public space.

In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, he said the proposed transformation on which work will soon start, will include organized and regulated bus operations as well as well-labeled location signages.

The hub to be named Y’ELLO Bus Park will feature installation of solar panels to support long-term energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.

He added that the new transport hub would have provisions for a recyclables drop off station to promote waste management and recycling.

“Tree planting is also planned to improve air quality and enhance the visual appeal of the environment”.

Also to be included are road camps for LAWMA Sweepers and Security Agencies including KAI and Neighborhood Agency.

According to Wahab, features of the new transport hub also include Food and Beverage Kiosks for passengers, ticketing Booths and public toilets to eradicate open defecation.

He explained that the project was community-centered to improve the health, well-being, security and aesthetics of the Obalende area, ultimately helping to reduce crime rate.

“The proposed hub will also contribute to protecting the integrity of the McGregor Canal which often gets heavily silted and blocked, leading to frequent clean-up efforts by the State Ministry of the  Environment and Water Resources” the commissioner explained.

Wahab stated that the space currently being used as the Obalende Bus Stop had grown to be one of the busiest transport hubs in Lagos, serving as a major gateway connecting Ikoyi, Victoria Island and as a conduit to the Mainland through the Third Mainland Bridge.

Said he: “Over time, rapid urbanization, population growth and informal economic activities have altered the area’s character with the prevalence of activities such as illegal trading, improper waste management, unauthorized use by non-state actors, lack of greening and landscaping, open defecation, shanties and illegal structures, vagrants.”

It will be recalled that Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu visited the site on February 18, 2024, confirming the sad reality of a deviation from the vision of Lagos as a Mega City.

He also saw the deteriorating aesthetics of the area that was affecting security, public health, ease of movement and overall livability especially as Obalende connects to strategic business districts in Lagos.

Following Mr. Governor’s visit, there have been several interventions to restore order to the area with the most recent enforcement and cleanup in December 2025 and January 2026 by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

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The plea was made in a statement issued and signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, whilst also emphasising the need for residents to maintain a high level of environmental cleanliness and strict adherence to proper waste disposal practices throughout the celebrations.

According to him, the yuletide period traditionally witnesses increased social activities and consequently, a surge in waste generation.

He called on all residents to be more environmentally conscious and ensure that all forms of waste, including animal and food waste are properly sorted, bagged, and disposed of at designated collection points for evacuation by assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators.

He assured Lagosians that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, was adequately positioned and remained fully prepared to respond promptly to waste evacuation needs during the festive period.

He emphasized the ban on patronising cart pushers, cautioning residents against patronising them and noted that such practices undermined the state’s waste management system and contribute to environmental degradation.

The commissioner also reminded residents of the availability of LAWMA’S Customer care lines which is a reliable platform for reporting environmental infractions such as illegal dumping, black spots, and other sanitation-related concerns.

“I would like to appeal to all residents to promptly and always report cases of any environmental infraction, black spots and illegal dump sites noticed within their communities from time to time to the government,” he said.

He reiterated that the present administration remained firmly committed to promoting a healthy populace, a cleaner environment, and a flood-free Lagos urging residents to reciprocate government efforts by demonstrating responsible environmental behaviour at all times.

He further warned residents to avoid storing petrol and other inflammable materials in homes, offices, shops, and markets, noting that such practices significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks, especially during the dry season when materials in the environment are highly combustible.

Wahab wished all Lagos residents an environmentally responsible Christmas and a prosperous New Year, while reiterating that sustained adherence to good sanitation and hygiene practices across the state would go a long way in promoting public health.

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The State said its new focus was to harness the many potentials inherent in the Blue Economy.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this new focus resolved to unlock sustainable financing and pioneer innovative solutions that would safeguard the State’s oceans, strengthen its coasts and unlock prosperity for future generations.

The governor spoke at the ongoing 2025 Lagos International Climate Change Summit holding at Lagos Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria Island, with the theme: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation.”

The two-day summit drew participants from a large spectrum of stakeholders in both public and private sectors, including visionaries, innovators, financiers and policymakers.

The State’s Atlantic coastline has, over decades, been largely explored for recreational tourism, with limited economic attention to the vital elements in the aquatic ecosystem.

Sanwo-Olu said the time was ripe for Lagos to turn its blue waters into green wealth by fully exploring the water resources to build the economy of the future.

Creating a new economy out of the ocean, the governor said, would be anchored on three interconnected pillars of building resilience, driving innovation and channeling financing into the aquatic ecosystem.

He said: “We are driving ocean innovation to reimagine commerce and mobility. And we are unlocking green and blue finance to power both. Lagos does not wait for the future; Lagos builds it. And this future is sustainable, inclusive and ocean-powered.

“Our approach to fully harness our aquatic ecosystem is anchored on three interconnected pillars of resilience, innovation and financing. We are building coastal resilience to protect lives and livelihoods.

“This offers a renewed call to global investors. We are saying that investing in Lagos’ resilience is not philanthropy; it is smart economics that will be seen as an investment in the stability of Africa’s most dynamic economy and the security of the continent’s coastal future.”

Sanwo-Olu said the summit was not only aimed at strengthening adaptation activities that would further secure the planet, but also creating a platform for innovators, policymakers and investors to develop a sustainable business model that would not alter the natural conditions of the environment.

Through the summit, the governor said Lagos was leading Africa’s efforts to explore green alternatives in building a sustainable economy.

He said the state’s actions had proved that development and decarbonisation could be achieved together.

“The blue economy is not just an economic concept; it is a lifeline for the planet. The green transition is not an obligation; it is an opportunity to rebuild better. We must seize this moment to finance the tides of resilience, to turn our blue waters into green wealth, and to leave behind not just a livable Lagos, but a thrivable one,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the summit offered participants a chance to reimagine their relationship with the ocean, not as a resource to be exploited but as a living system to be nurtured.

Wahab said despite the climate threats faced by the state, Lagos ocean remained a vital artery of commerce and source of countless livelihoods.

The commissioner said: “The Blue Economy represents more than just water-based industries; it embodies a new frontier for sustainable prosperity. This summit also provides an opportunity to bridge a crucial gap between visionary climate action and the sustainable financing needed to make it a reality.

“Our mission is clear: it is to unlock the capital that will help us build resilience, drive innovation, and protect our coastal future. Lagos isn’t just talking about this vision, we are taking concrete steps to bring it to life.”

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to developing the country’s marine, noting that reforms had been carried out to improve maritime governance and enhance environmental sustainability.

Oyetola, represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the government was positioning the country as frontline player in Africa on the Blue Economy.

“Lagos State is key to achieving this vision, with ongoing roadmaps focused on marine conservation, innovation and sustainable use of ocean resources,” the minister was quoted.

Oyetola added that the federal government would continue to work with public and private stakeholders to unlock the country’s maritime potential, enhance security at sea and ensure long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy and coastal communities.

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In the same vein, the state government also signified its intention to take the lead as the climate capital of Africa and a city that not only adapts to change but leads it across the Continent.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stated this during a media briefing in preparation for the 11th Lagos State International Climate Change Summit held at the Eko Atlantic Corporate office, Victoria Island.

He said Lagos State was massively investing in coastal defenses and urban greening,

He added that the state was also investing in flood mitigation, renewable energy, and circular economy models that could serve as templates for other cities across the continent.

According to him, “Through the Lagos International Climate Change Summit, we are sending a clear message to the world: Africa is not waiting to be rescued. We are ready to lead.”

He described Lagos as a living testament to human resilience and ingenuity reaffirming Lagos’ unwavering commitment to building a future where the environment, economy, and people thrive together.

Wahab emphasised that Lagos was one of the world’s most vibrant coastal megacities, a hub of creativity, commerce as well as culture and it was also one of the most climate-vulnerable saying rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and flooding were not distant possibilities but daily realities.

He said the creation of Lagos State Parks and Garden, LASPARK, stood as a testament and offspring of the summit held some years back just as the summit had also given the opportunity to market Lagos Climate Resilience Policy, claiming:  “Lagos is only State that has the Climate Policy in the country.”

He said in Lagos, everyone believed that vulnerability could be transformed into vision and challenge turned into opportunity and that explained why the year 2025 Summit was themed “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” which spoke directly to the mission to convert Lagos’ coastal challenges into economic and ecological strength.

He stressed that the 2025 Summit was not merely an environmental conference but a strategic platform for action where subnational governments, global development institutions, investors, scientists, and innovators come together to design real, bankable climate solutions.

The Commissioner said the summit would spotlight the Blue Economy, harnessing oceans and waterways for sustainable growth; Green Finance, mobilizing capital for renewable energy and waste recycling,

He added that it would also spotlight nature-based infrastructure; Innovation and Youth, empowering the next generation of African climate entrepreneurs as well as well as Partnerships, strengthening cross-sector collaboration for long-term transformation.

He explained that the 2025 edition would host more than 1,200 delegates including international agency heads, global CEOs, financiers, youth innovators, and researchers, all united by one mission: to finance the future of resilience in Africa.

He added that it was particularly significant that the summit would take place just ahead of COP30, giving Lagos an opportunity to shape the global conversation, translating local action into international impact.

“This Summit belongs not only to government, but to every organization, every citizen, and every innovator who believes in the promise of a greener and more resilient Africa,” he said.

He said the measuring matrix would be based on different yardsticks which would include communication dissemination, how to input the bankable projects before the world, how to put Lagos and Lagos resilience narrative before the world saying that the state would check after I2 months to see if set goals had been achieved.

He added that the messages from the summit would be taken to the grassroots, places like Temu (outskirt of Lagos), residents of Okun Aja corridor and other areas that experienced the effects of coastal erosion which were the realities of climate change and that it went beyond building of terrestrial home.

He expressed appreciation to all the summit’s partners which include Eko Atlantic for embodying the spirit of sustainable urban development and  NIMASA for their continued leadership in maritime safety and the blue economy.

He said the government also recognized the invaluable support of international collaborators, the International Finance Corporation, IFC, the African Development Bank, AfDB, the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and others, whose technical expertise and financial commitment continue to enhance Lagos’ global standing.

He charged everyone to build a Lagos that would lead with purpose, “from the deep blue of our oceans to the bright green of the innovation as the briefing would mark the beginning of another defining chapter in Lagos’ journey toward sustainability.”

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The 2025 summit with the theme: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation” holding at the Lagos Continental Hotel between the 6th and 7th of November will attract global leaders, investors, climate scientists, and policy makers.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, quoted the governor as noting that Lagos continues to demonstrate leadership in subnational climate action and developing practical mechanisms for city-level climate finance.

The governor reiterated that the state had also been developing blue bonds, and nature-based coastal protection projects that are shaping Africa’s next decade of sustainable urban development.

“As Africa’s fastest-growing coastal city, Lagos stands at the frontline of both climate risk and innovation. Her goal is to unlock sustainable financing that protects the people, builds resilience, and drive economic growth through the power of the blue economy.”

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Setting the tone for the conference, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said: “The Lagos International Climate Change Summit 2025 is more than a conference, it is a declaration that African cities can finance their own future.

“We invite global leaders, investors, and innovators to join Lagos as we redefine what coastal resilience looks like for the Global South.”

The event will convene to accelerate action and investment in Africa’s coastal and ocean economies ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

The 2025 Summit which is the 11th in the series will serve as a strategic engagement platform for African and global stakeholders to align priorities, deepen partnerships, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations.

It will also spotlight blue economy financing as a key frontier for climate adaptation, innovation, and job creation in Africa just as discussions will center on unlocking investment for ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, mangrove restoration, and coastal infrastructure through green and blended finance instruments.

The summit will also highlight ongoing and pipeline projects supporting coastal resilience, environmental innovation, and sustainable livelihoods in Lagos.

Delegates and participants being expected include representatives from: African Development Bank, AfDB, World Bank and Eko Atlantic.

The post Sanwo-Olu to host global summit on blue economy appeared first on Frontpageng.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in a public notice signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab.

He added that the commencement followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum given by the state government.

The statement added that the ultimatum came through public notices published in national newspapers on September 18th and 19^th.

The statement reads: “This is to notify the general public, particularly individuals, developers and Corporate bodies engaging in unauthorized land reclamation and Waterfront encroachment that the grace period of SEVEN DAYS for compliance and cessation of illegal reclamation activities as contained in our earlier public notices have since expired on 25th September, 2025.”

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In accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 and other extant regulations

Actions to be taken to enforce the order without any further notice include the removal of all illegal reclamation structures and fillings without the Statutory EIA and Drainage Clearance Certificate.

Others are the seizure of all reclamation equipment and materials found on prohibited sites as well as the prosecution of offenders in accordance with Environmental and Urban Development Laws of the State.

The statement also warned members of the public against patronising or buying from illegal reclamation operators across the state, emphasizing that the actions are necessary to protect the environment and prevent flooding as well as ensure public safety within the state.

The statement urged the general public/ project developers to visit the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Block 16, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa in order to inquire about the acquisition of the EIA approval and Drainage Clearance.

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