Kehinde Adeleye
Dr. Olayinka Dania, the Chief Resilience Officer at Lagos State Resilience Office, has shed light on how Lagos State is being affected by three major climate drivers, namely sea level rise, extreme heat, and extreme rainfall. Dr. Dania also discussed Lagos State’s efforts to develop a climate adaptation and resilience plan to mitigate the impact of these climate changes.
During an exclusive news with Echonews correspondent at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, Dr. Olayinka Dania revealed that recent analysis has projected that Lagos could face severe damage, estimated at $33 to $39 billion, if no action is taken to address the impact of climate change. She highlighted the stark contrast between this projected loss and the annual budget of Lagos State, which is approximately 12 times smaller.
Dr. Dania emphasized the importance of implementing a wide range of climate adaptation projects, ranging from protective coastal infrastructure to improved waste management and water supply infrastructure. The primary objective of these projects, according to Dr. Dania, is to ensure that the critical infrastructure put in place by the government, including schools, hospitals, and homes, are protected from the adverse effects of climate change, such as flooding and inundation.
To achieve these ambitious projects, Dr. Dania estimated that a staggering sum of $9 billion would be required. In addition to outlining the scope of the projects, Dr. Dania delved into the critical matter of financing the climate adaptation initiatives. She noted that her office has investigated various financing models and mechanisms that are available, including pre-visibility studies for some of the proposed projects. She assured that her team is working tirelessly to secure the necessary funding to make these ambitious projects a reality.
Dr. Dania applauded the existing initiatives of the Lagos State government aimed at flood management, such as the renovation and rehabilitation of tertiary and secondary drainages. She further commended the government’s efforts in sensitizing secondary school students, government workers, and artisans on the importance of waste management practices that reduce, reuse, and recycle waste, thereby preventing the blockage of drainage systems in the state.
Dr. Dania provided additional information about the “Leveraging Resilience For Lagos’ Development Trajectory” program held, highlighting that the current resilience strategy was developed in February 2020 through an extensive and collaborative process. She said this process included engagement with various stakeholders, such as communities, individuals, businesses, civil society, organizations, and the private sector, ensuring that the strategy is reflective of the needs and concerns of all those affected.
Emphasizing the significance of the forum, Dr. Dania underscored the need to constantly re-evaluate the resilience strategy in light of the evolving nature of climate change. She stressed that the forum sought to identify emerging opportunities, threats, and mechanisms to address these threats. Additionally, the diverse perspectives of stakeholders were gathered to inform and improve state policies and initiatives, ensuring that the government’s commitment to resilience is not just rhetorical but also evident in its actions.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Planning for Lagos State, Mr. Mosopefolu George, spoke highly of the Lagos Resilient Office, emphasizing its significance in the context of Lagos State’s status as one of the largest metropolitan areas in Africa. He acknowledged the importance of having an office dedicated to resilience in Lagos, given its prominence and the challenges posed by climate change and other risks.
Mr. Mosopefolu George emphasized the vital role of the Lagos Resilient Office in safeguarding the well-being of the State in the face of a range of challenges, including climate change and public health crises.
The Commissioner specifically highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic as a recent example where the Resilient Office played a crucial role in helping Lagos State mitigate the spread of the virus and manage the shocks associated with being a megacity. He lauded Dr. Olayinka Dania and her team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the resilience of Lagos State.
According to the Honourable Commissioner, the forum was an invaluable opportunity for key stakeholders in the resilience field to come together and exchange ideas, learn from one another, and develop new strategies to enhance the resilience of Lagos State.
The Commissioner expressed his enthusiasm for events like these, explaining that they offer an excellent platform to reflect on the insights gained from previous gatherings and use those insights to improve the resilience development plan.
The Honourable Commissioner affirmed that the Lagos State government places great importance on accountability and transparency in its efforts to enhance the resilience of the State.
He emphasized that all initiatives undertaken by the State are intended to ultimately improve the lives of Lagosians and stressed the importance of continuously evaluating and developing the resilience plan. In reference to the forum, he stated that one of the key expectations of Lagosians is a tangible demonstration of how the forum contributes to their overall well-being.
Kate Hughes, CEO of Resilient Water Accelerator, represented by an assistant, highlighted the critical importance of resilience in the sustainable development of cities, particularly in the context of water management.
Speaking at the Resilience Forum, Hughes emphasized the significance of resilience in a city like Lagos, which has a rapidly growing population and faces significant challenges, but also presents unique opportunities for innovative solutions and also underlined the pressing need for Lagos to strengthen its resilience to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Hughes emphasized the alignment of the Resilience Forum’s objectives with those of the Alpha QA, highlighting the need for sustainable city development with a focus on resilience and water management.
Hughes further noted that the economic benefits of resilience are significant. She cited that Lagos has the potential to reap economic benefits in excess of $500 billion annually through sustainable water management, indicating the critical importance of resilience in achieving this goal.
Hughes underscored the need for private sector investment in water resilience, drawing a parallel with the telecom industry’s success in attracting funding. She urged private sector players to recognize resilience as a crucial aspect of their businesses and make significant investments in enhancing resilience at the state level.
The CEO emphasized that private sector involvement and investment in resilience will be essential to address the challenges posed by climate change and other threats, particularly in the context of water management.
Dr. Ayo Teriba, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, identified two types of threats facing Lagos: traditional threats that have been present for centuries, and new threats that the community needs to become familiar with in order to build resilience.
Joining the conversation, Dr. Adun Okupe, Executive Director of The Sahara Center, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, academia, and community in creating a resilient city. He underscored the need for carefully devised plans and patience in effecting change in the community.
The Lagos Resilience Forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including experts, academics, youths, students, and persons with disabilities, to discuss and plan for a more resilient Lagos.
The forum ended with an inspiring call to action for all participants to work together to build a more sustainable and resilient city, showcasing the collective commitment of the community to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for the benefit of Lagos and its people.