By Abiodun Salako
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change, Titilayo Oshodi, has said that subnational governments must play a frontline role in driving climate finance if Nigeria is to achieve a sustainable transition to a green economy.
Speaking at the just concluded Africa Climate Summit 2 in Addis Ababa, Oshodi said that Lagos, as the fifth-largest economy in Africa, is a unique model for mobilising resources, attracting climate finance, and ensuring Nigeria delivers on its carbon finance commitments.
“The strength that Lagos can bring to optimising national strategies on climate finance cannot be overstated. As a subnational, the economic and social potential in Lagos is an undeniable advantage for Nigeria’s bid to attract and perform on climate finance and carbon finance,” she said.
She highlighted the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises, alongside private sector and corporate players, as critical drivers of a just transition. According to her, industries such as environment, transport, agriculture, and energy can deliver greater social and economic impact through transparent governance and sustainable practices.
Oshodi noted that Lagos is already pushing such models through initiatives like the 80 million Clean Cook Stove Project, designed for distribution across the country to improve clean energy access and reduce carbon emissions.
“From the circular economy to renewable energy, clean cooking, green building and urban planning, the opportunities for Nigeria are vast. Our route to a thriving people-planet-profit trajectory is through a multidimensional incentivised pipeline that captures benefits across all strata,” she added.
The adviser further said that Lagos remains on the “precipice” of showcasing how subnationals can shape climate action by blending environmental responsibility with economic development.
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