In a bold step towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Lagos State Government has introduced a new initiative aimed at creating a resilient and sustainable future for the city. The Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDG) announced on Thursday the launch of the Lagos Sustainability Summit, an annual multidisciplinary forum designed to advance strategies and create actionable pathways for building a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Lagos.
Scheduled to take place in the second week of September at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, the summit is organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA). Themed “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Lagos,” the event will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners, to share ideas and collaborate on innovative solutions to address critical sustainability challenges.
Speaking at a pre-event conference held at Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, highlighted the summit’s significance in driving Lagos toward its vision of becoming a resilient and sustainable city. “This summit stands as a testament to our collective resolve,” Finnih said. “We are focusing on key areas that demonstrate the Government’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing strategic initiatives and policies that reflect our dedication to sustainable development.”
Dr. Finnih emphasized that the summit will act as a call to action and provide a roadmap for the State Government’s efforts to create a city where citizens can succeed while maintaining social equity, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship. “We are fostering social cohesion by ensuring equitable participation of communities in sustainability efforts,” she noted. “The summit will also promote ethical business practices, fair labor standards, and community engagement initiatives that drive positive social impacts.”
Finnih stressed that the Lagos Sustainability Summit is not just about dialogue but about decisive action. “This effort is for the children who will inherit this city. We must build a Lagos that is resilient, sustainable, and filled with hope,” she said, underscoring the city’s responsibility to future generations.
LASEPA General Manager Dr. Babatunde Ajayi echoed these sentiments, stating, “This initiative is not only about enhancing sustainable business practices but also about championing the protection of our environment for the well-being of the city’s inhabitants.” He added that future generations would be proud of the efforts being made to bequeath them a sustainable city.
LSSC Director General, Mr. Lanre Mojola, highlighted the summit’s role in advancing Lagos’ urbanisation vision. “Part of our vision is to build a city with robust occupational safety and health standards,” Mojola said. “This summit is a major step towards making Lagos a safe and sustainable city.”
