Lagos State has emerged as the highest-performing sub-national government in climate governance across the region, reinforcing its leadership in environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The recognition comes as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was honoured with the prestigious Grand Laureate Award for his administration’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development.
The award acknowledges Lagos State’s outstanding performance in implementing policies and programmes aimed at tackling climate change, promoting environmental protection and building resilient communities. The state earned the highest climate governance score in the region, reflecting significant progress in areas such as climate policy implementation, green infrastructure, renewable energy initiatives, waste management and adaptation strategies.
Receiving the Grand Laureate Award, Governor Sanwo-Olu dedicated the honour to the people of Lagos and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable megacity. He noted that climate change remains one of the greatest global challenges and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, the private sector and development partners to address its impacts.
The governor highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his administration to improve environmental sustainability, including investments in clean transportation, flood control infrastructure, waste recycling programmes, urban greening projects and renewable energy solutions. According to him, these initiatives are designed to protect lives and livelihoods while supporting economic growth and improving residents’ quality of life.
Sanwo-Olu also reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to meeting international climate targets through innovative policies that encourage low-carbon development and climate resilience.
The recognition further strengthens Lagos’ reputation as a leading African city in climate governance and sustainable urban development. It also reflects the state’s growing influence in shaping environmental policies that balance economic progress with ecological responsibility, positioning Lagos as a model for other cities seeking to address the challenges posed by climate change.
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