The Lagos State Government on Monday announced a strategic collaboration with the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), aimed at enhancing sustainable urban interventions and resilience across the state.
EpeInsights reports that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr.Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the ACRC team at Alausa, stating that the partnership aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate challenges and drive inclusive urban transformation.
“I appreciate this team for choosing Lagos as one of the five cities on the continent selected for this project. Lagos is unique, smallest in landmass at 3,575 square kilometres, with one-third covered by water, yet it accommodates 10% of Nigeria’s population,” Wahab said.
He explained the peculiar topography of Lagos, its low elevation, coastal exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, and susceptibility to flooding and climate change requires deliberate and science-backed solutions.
“When it rains, the sea level often rises, causing flash flooding due to backflow and inability of stormwater to discharge into the lagoon. We accept these realities and are approaching them with bold, science-led responses,” the Commissioner added.
He listed several initiatives undertaken by the state to improve environmental resilience, including; Year-round dredging and clearing of drainage channels, Construction of pumping stations in flood-prone areas like Lagos Island, Transition from a “collect and dump” waste system to a sustainable circular economy model and ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene products below 40 microns, including styrofoam.
“We’re taking tough but necessary decisions. We cannot allow indiscriminate development on wetlands and flood plains. Where this happens, the government will act to restore natural water flow,” Wahab stated.
He further noted that many water supply projects are sited in neighbouring Ogun State due to its cleaner aquifers and proximity, underlining regional cooperation as key to Lagos’ environmental strategy.
In her remarks, Head of Programme Delivery for African Cities Research Consortium, ACRC at the University of Manchester, Ms. Irene Vance, commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive stance.
“It is vital to work with subnational governments to address the real issues facing urban centres—security, transport, water, sanitation, health, and more. Lagos’ commitment is commendable,” she said.
She highlighted ongoing and potential projects in areas such as Okerube (Alimosho LGA) and Ajegunle (Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA), particularly in lighting and sanitation, as examples of scalable interventions being examined under the partnership.
The collaboration between Lagos and ACRC is expected to yield actionable research, enhance local capacity, and accelerate development-focused policies that directly improve quality of life in urban communities.
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