Vice President Kashim Shettima and Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu have reiterated the commitment of the federal and state government to address climate change.

They spoke at a symposium entitled: “Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove and Art” organised by the Climate Change Council of Nigeria Secretariat and Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

Shettima and Sanwo-Olu were represented at the event which held Lekki Conservation Centre, Lekki, Lagos, by Special Adviser to the President on Climate Change and the National Economic Council, Rukayat El-Rufai and Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin respectively,

The vice president noted that despite the geopolitical tensions, economic slowdowns, resurgence of climate skepticisms and setback in international climate commitments, Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering global collaboration to combat climate change.

He stressed the nation’s resolve to tackle climate change by not only committing to the Paris Agreement, but pledging emissions reduction in 2030 with a vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

The vice president said: “We have pledged significant emissions reductions by 2030 and set a vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. We enshrined that target into law with the Climate Change Act of 2021, establishing a National Council on Climate Change to integrate climate action into all facets of national planning. Climate change is now a cabinet-level priority in Nigeria.”

Shettima reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to climate-smart policies that balance development with sustainability.

He said: “We will continue to implement and strengthen policies that cut emissions, protect ecosystems, and build resilience.

“This means rigorously enforcing our climate legislation and integrating climate considerations into every major decision.”

Sanwo-Olu said though Lagos faces the dual challenge of urban expansion and environmental conservation, the current administration has implemented policies that balance development with sustainability, while prioritising green infrastructure and renewable energy.

Highlighting the need to protect mangroves, which he noted play a critical role in combating global warming by storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, the governorsaid: “At the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit last year, I launched the Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (LCARP).

“This comprehensive framework integrates advanced analytics for risk assessment and stakeholder engagement – a critical step toward fortifying Lagos against climate vulnerabilities,” he added.

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, noted that the state’s investment in renewable energy, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and sustainable urban planning  are not just about mitigating climate risks, but securing the future of Lagos and ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of  natural resources.

He said the state is ready to host COP 32 in 2027, stressing that if Azerbaijan could host COP in Baku, then nothing should stop Nigeria from doing it in Lagos.

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, Mr. Simon Stiell said investment in climate change adaptation, in water management, flood protection and initiatives like the Great Green Wall are vital for Nigeria’s economy to survive and thrive.