Lagos joins global celebration of World Environment Day |

The Lagos State Government on Friday called for an urgent adoption of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change and safeguarding the future of urban populations as it joined the global celebration of the World Environment Day (WED).

The Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Engr. Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, said this at the 2026 WED celebration.

The event was held at the Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Alausa, Ikeja.

Highlighting the 2026 World Environment Day theme: “Inspired by Nature for Climate, For Our Future,” Rotimi-Akodu emphasised the critical role of forests, wetlands, green spaces, and other natural ecosystems in helping communities adapt to climate change, enhance resilience, and secure sustainable development.

He noted that climate change continues to intensify urban heat challenges globally, citing reports from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicating that 2024 was the warmest year on record, while 2025 ranked as the third warmest year globally.

“Rapid urbanisation, population growth, traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and the replacement of natural landscapes with concrete and asphalt surfaces are all contributing to rising temperatures and the Urban Heat Island effect in cities,” he said.

The Special Adviser said Lagos, Africa’s most populous city and one of the continent’s foremost economic hubs, remains particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, including sea level rise, extreme heat, and flooding. 

He warned that extreme heat poses serious threats to public health, labour productivity, air quality, energy demand, and overall quality of life.

According to him: “Lagos has aligned its local observance with the global campaign on extreme heat under the theme: ‘50 Cities at 50°C: Lagos Rising Against the Urban Heat Island.’

“The initiative, championed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through its global 50@50 campaign, calls on cities worldwide to document and share innovative responses to rising urban temperatures and climate risks.”

Rotimi-Akodu stated that despite challenges confronting the state, the government is implementing strategic interventions aimed at strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable urban development.

He said: “Among these interventions is the continued investment in an integrated multimodal transportation system comprising Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), rail infrastructure, and water transportation; 

“The Lagos Rail Mass Transit system, alongside the expansion of water transport services, is helping to reduce emissions, ease congestion, improve air quality, and support the State’s transition toward a low-carbon future.”

Rotimi-Akodu also highlighted the State’s extensive greening programme coordinated by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) since 2009.

He said the initiative has transformed abandoned open spaces, road medians, and traffic loops into green recreational environments while significantly increasing urban tree cover.

He said: “Today, over seven million trees have been planted across Lagos through the active participation of schools, communities, businesses, civil society organisations, and government agencies.

“This achievement demonstrates the power of collective action in building climate resilience.”

He stated that in the health sector, the development of the Lagos State Health Adaptation Plan (LSHAP) 2026-2030, designed to strengthen the State’s capacity to address climate-related health challenges, has focused on enhancing disease surveillance, integrating climate risks in healthcare planning, improving healthcare infrastructure resilience, and expanding healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has committed to planting 500 trees across the State under the new environmental stewardship initiative, tagged: “Me and My Tree,” with participants receiving free tree seedlings and encouraged to nurture them to maturity. 

“To encourage participation and sustainability, the owner of the best-performing tree after one year will receive a cash prize of ₦2.5 million,” he said.

He stressed that Lagos State will formally join other leading cities around the world in signing the UNEP “50 Cities at 50°C” pledge, saying this reaffirms its commitment to global efforts aimed at addressing extreme heat and strengthening urban climate resilience.

He said: “Lagos is not waiting for the future.

“Lagos is preparing for it, adapting to it, and rising above it.”

Rotimi-Akodu stated that regardless of the challenges, Lagos is demonstrating that cities can grow while becoming greener, healthier, and more resilient

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, said the World Environment Day is a call to protect and restore the environment, tackle climate crisis, and also to safeguard the wellbeing of generations to come.

Adegbite said Lagos is a city defined by its dynamism, resilience, and continuous growth, adding that the remarkable expansion has come with environmental consequences to the State.

He said: “Our megacity, with a population exceeding 20 million people, is increasingly experiencing the effects of rising urban temperatures.

“These include hotter days and warmer nights, increased energy demand, pressure on public health systems, and greater vulnerability among the elderly, children, and other groups.”

He said the Lagos State Government has continued to implement practical measures aimed at mitigating the impact of urban heat, adding that thousands of trees have been planted across the state to restore natural cooling systems and improve environmental quality.

The 2026 World Environment Day celebration also featured a lecture, a panel discussion, exhibition by various bodies, and also brought together government officials, including the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen; Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; General Manager, LASWMO, Engr. Femi Afolabi; representatives of heads of agencies; environmental experts; development partners; private sector representatives; civil society organisations; students; and members of the public.

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