The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to collaborate with China under the China-Nigeria Low-Carbon Demonstration Initiative (Nextier) to implement the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone (LLCDZ) Project, aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with representatives of the Nextier initiative at the Ministry’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
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He noted that the proposed partnership aligns with the state’s climate ambitions and environmental policy frameworks.
Mr Wahab highlighted Lagos’s ongoing efforts to promote climate-resilient growth, including the unveiling of the Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Action Plan at the 2023 Lagos International Climate Change Summit.
He recalled the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 between Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment on the African Solar Belt Initiative, which seeks to support low-carbon industrialisation across Africa.
He identified the Lekki Free Trade Zone as the chosen pilot site for the LLCDZ project, citing its status as the most advanced and future-ready area in Lagos.
According to Mr Wahab, the project is expected to reduce the state’s climate risk index, curb air pollution, limit airborne diseases, and improve public health through greater access to clean energy.
“This laudable initiative will not only enhance clean energy access but also generate jobs, improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness, and strengthen environmental compliance,” Mr Wahab said.
He pledged the Ministry’s support in providing data, personnel, and funding to facilitate the project’s implementation.
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Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of the National Council on Climate Change at the Presidency, Michael Ivenso, stated that the Chinese delegation’s visit was to solidify the bilateral collaboration and explore avenues for increased private sector involvement.
He commended Lagos for its conducive environment for private sector participation and encouraged further exploration of opportunities within the state.
