Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable growth and coastal resilience at the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, themed “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos—a city built on water, energy, and entrepreneurship—must leverage its ocean resources for long-term sustainability. He cited the Great Wall of Lagos, a project transforming former ocean surge zones into economically productive land, as a prime example of innovative climate action.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that this foundation remains sustainable for generations to come,” the governor said, adding that Lagos aims to lead Africa in building a vibrant blue economy.

The summit highlighted the importance of aligning federal, state, and global climate strategies to attract private investment. Taiwo Ajetunmobi, Head of Investment Management at the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), commended Lagos for subnational climate leadership, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port as an example of effective federal–state collaboration that attracted over $1 billion in private investment.

Key initiatives highlighted at the summit include:

• Biogas facility at Ikosi-Isheri Fruit Market: Converts fruit waste into clean energy and natural fertilizer, in partnership with the C40 Global Leadership Group.
• Development of a Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic to link environmental goals with actionable investment pathways.
• Implementation of fiscal and legal frameworks by the Federal Government to enhance maritime security, reduce piracy, and promote waste-to-wealth projects.

Sanwo-Olu called for greater collaboration among African coastal cities and private investors to scale up blue economy initiatives, stressing the potential for inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, represented by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reinforced federal support for maritime reforms, fiscal incentives, and partnerships to finance sustainable ocean-based projects.

Ajetunmobi emphasized that investors prioritize policy coherence, regulatory predictability, and project bankability, urging the adoption of Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models such as BOT, DBFO, and LDO to attract long-term equity for coastal resilience projects.

“The tide of opportunity is rising, and Lagos must rise with it. By aligning state, federal, and global strategies, we can transform Nigeria’s maritime potential into real wealth and shared prosperity,” he said.

Representatives from Osun State, as well as international partners from Britain, China, and Germany, attended the summit, pledging support for Lagos’ climate resilience and blue economy initiatives.