UNGA 81: Lagos Is Ready To Collaborate, Innovate And Lead, Says Wahab

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE 

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has said the State is ready to collaborate, innovate and lead in confronting the challenges posed by climate change and coastal risks.

Wahab stated this while speaking at the just-concluded Lagos State Governor’s Roundtable on “Insuring Our Coastlines” in New York, USA.

According to him, it was a privilege to participate in the high-level dialogue where he had the opportunity to speak about Lagos State’s readiness and the strategic collaborations the state is seeking to advance.

“For me, the conversation went beyond policy discussions. It was about positioning Lagos to build stronger partnerships, access innovative financing, and learn from global experiences as we work towards a safer, more resilient and sustainable coastal city,” Wahab said.

The high-level dialogue was organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Networks Nigeria and Caribbean, with a focus on strengthening Africa-Caribbean collaboration on sustainable development and innovative climate-risk financing.

The Roundtable held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, alongside the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, under the theme “Insuring Our Coastlines: Redefining Influence, Accelerating Action.”

Wahab noted that the challenges facing coastal cities require collective action.

“I believe that the challenges facing coastal cities require collective action. By working with international partners, sharing knowledge and embracing innovative solutions, we can better protect our communities, infrastructure and future generations,” he said.

The Commissioner reiterated that Lagos, as a coastal megacity, remains committed to building resilience against sea-level rise, coastal erosion and flooding.

“Lagos is ready to collaborate, innovate and lead,” Wahab added.

The event brought together government officials, international investors, development finance institutions, private sector stakeholders and partners from across Africa and the Caribbean.

Also in attendance was the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also spoke on what can be done now to protect Lagos’ coastlines and infrastructure and put the right financing in place before the next major climate event.

The Governor said: “Lagos is a coastal city so climate change is not a distant concern for us. We see its effects in the flooding that affects our communities and the pressure it puts on our roads, homes and businesses.

“By working directly with the private sector, we are putting measures in place and building a stronger, more prepared Lagos. Government cannot do this alone. We need strong partnerships and practical solutions that will help secure our economic future.”