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Lagos State: Intending Africa’s Climate Capital
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its ambition to position the state as the climate capital of Africa, pledging to transform its coastal and environmental challenges into opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and sustainability.
This commitment was reiterated as the state prepares to host the 11th Lagos State International Climate Change Summit, a flagship event that shows Lagos’ leadership in climate action and urban resilience across the continent.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Eko Atlantic Corporate Office, Victoria Island, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state is making strategic investments in coastal defences, flood control, renewable energy, and circular economy models that could serve as blueprints for other African cities.
“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,” Wahab declared.
He described Lagos as a living symbol of resilience, creativity, and innovation, adding that the government remains committed to fostering a future where the environment, economy, and people coexist sustainably.
Wahab also noted that Lagos, as one of the world’s most dynamic coastal megacities, has been at the forefront of climate adaptation and environmental innovation. He highlighted the establishment of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, as one of the tangible outcomes of earlier summits, aimed at advancing urban greening and promoting ecological balance.
According to him, this year’s summit will also spotlight the Lagos Climate Resilience Policy, a pioneering document that sets out comprehensive strategies for climate mitigation and adaptation.
“Lagos remains the only state in Nigeria with a Climate Policy,” he said.
The Commissioner also explained that the 2025 Summit would go beyond discussions, serving as a strategic platform for actionable climate solutions, bringing together sub-national governments, development partners, investors, scientists, and innovators to design real, bankable climate projects.
He disclosed that over 1,200 delegates, including global CEOs, financiers, youth innovators, researchers, and heads of international agencies, are expected to participate under the theme: “Financing the Future of Resilience in Africa.”
Wahab expressed appreciation to the summit’s partners, particularly Eko Atlantic for its role in promoting sustainable urban development, and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, for its continued leadership in the blue economy and maritime safety.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by the agency’s Deputy Director, Mr Tuti Hebron, commended the Lagos State Government’s proactive environmental initiatives. He disclosed that NIMASA has developed a National Policy on Blue Economy, which will provide a robust legal and operational framework for sustainable marine resource management.
He urged other states to emulate Lagos by investing in coastal tourism and marine innovation, citing the recent E1 Electric Boat Race as an example of Lagos’ growing in sustainable maritime activities.
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Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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