In a bold move to drive sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions, the Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to partner with China through the China-Nigeria Low-Carbon Demonstration Initiative (Nextier) on the implementation of the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone (LLCDZ) Project.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a strategic meeting between the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the visiting Nextier delegation, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, described the initiative as a critical step towards achieving Lagos State’s climate resilience goals. He said the LLCDZ Project aligns seamlessly with the State’s policy frameworks and ambitions to mitigate the impact of climate change while promoting clean energy alternatives.
“This project will not only help us reduce our climate risk index and airborne diseases but also bring major public health benefits and increased access to clean energy. It will support our goal of driving climate-positive growth,” Wahab said.
He recalled that during the 2023 Lagos International Climate Change Summit, the State Government unveiled the Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Action Plan, a major milestone in Lagos’ environmental sustainability journey.
Wahab also cited the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment in 2023 on the African Solar Belt Initiative, aimed at supporting low-carbon industrialization in the country.
The Lekki Free Trade Zone was identified as the pilot site for the LLCDZ due to its status as one of the most advanced and forward-looking areas in Nigeria. The project is expected to serve as a model for sustainable urban development, promote green infrastructure, and attract private sector investment.
“The global energy transition presents an opportunity for job creation, improved competitiveness in global markets, and stronger environmental compliance. We are committed to supporting this initiative with data, resources, and funding,” Wahab added.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Director of the National Council on Climate Change in the Presidency, Mr. Michael Ivenso, said the visit by Chinese officials was to deepen bilateral collaboration and galvanize private sector participation.
“Lagos offers an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, and this initiative will open up more opportunities for investment in sustainable energy and infrastructure,” Ivenso noted.
The meeting ended on a note of shared optimism as stakeholders pledged to accelerate the implementation of the project for the benefit of Lagos residents and Nigeria’s broader climate objectives.
