The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to assess and expand pathways for the city-wide deployment of clean energy solutions as part of its strategy to boost climate resilience and drive sustainable economic growth.
The plan was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday following a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Lagos Energy Climate Action Implementation, held on Wednesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.
Speaking at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr Gaji Omobolaji, said the state was exploring scalable clean energy options that align with Lagos’ climate commitments while addressing the energy needs of the informal sector and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The workshop was organised to present outcomes of a pilot project executed under the Lagos Climate Action Plan.
Omobolaji described climate change as “one of the most pressing challenges affecting human existence,” noting its impact on urban sustainability, public health, economic productivity and environmental integrity.
Represented by the Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Mr Micheal Bankole, he stressed that for a fast-growing megacity like Lagos, unlocking clean energy potential—especially within the informal and SME sectors—has become imperative.
“For a city as dynamic, complex and fast-growing as Lagos, unlocking clean energy potential in the informal and SME sector is not optional; it is essential,” he said.
He explained that the workshop focused on scaling up solar photovoltaic solutions for households and small businesses, a move that aligns with the objectives of the Lagos Climate Action Plan and reinforces the state’s commitment to low-carbon development, improved air quality and enhanced climate resilience.
According to him, the pilot initiatives were designed to demonstrate practical impact, build institutional confidence and create a solid foundation for scaling up successful clean energy interventions across the state.
“Policy and planning support alone are not enough. There is a strong need to translate these efforts into practical, on-the-ground demonstration projects that show real impact,” Omobolaji noted.
He added that inclusive participation is central to sustainable climate action, stressing that clean energy solutions such as solar power are critical in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing energy poverty and supporting inclusive economic growth.
“In line with our long-term climate ambitions, Lagos State has committed to reducing emissions by 20 per cent below Business-As-Usual projections by 2025, 45 per cent by 2035, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” he said.
Omobolaji described the energy sector as central to achieving these targets and Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions, noting that the transition to renewable energy presents not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity capable of creating jobs, stimulating enterprise and improving the quality of life for residents.
He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen Lagos State’s climate governance framework and accelerate its journey towards a sustainable and resilient mega-city.
The Permanent Secretary also commended C40 Cities and partners under the UK Government-funded Urban Climate Action Programme for their continued support, while acknowledging the collaboration of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies in tackling climate change.
In his presentation, the Consultant on Lagos Energy Climate Action Implementation, Dr Segun Adaju, revealed that the pilot project was implemented across communities including Agege, Ikorodu, Yaba, Makoko, Badagry, Apapa, Isheri and Olowora.
Adaju said the initiative was tested among small-scale enterprises in the selected areas to support business growth, with plans to scale up the intervention to residential communities in the near future.
