Climate change expert Emmanuel Oladipo has urged the federal and state governments, citizens, communities, and private-sector stakeholders to work together to mitigate the impact of climate change in Nigeria.

Mr Oladipo made the call at the National Arts Theatre on Tuesday, during his keynote address at the Climate Stakeholder Townhall Meeting, organised by the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour (REHCCAT), in partnership with the Lagos State Government.

Mr Oladipo urged the federal and state governments to “close the gap between policy and enforcement, fund resilience plans adequately, protect wetlands even when it is politically costly”, warning that the “alternative costs far more”.

“Treat climate resilience as risk management, not CSR. A flooded route or submerged site is a continuity issue—invest in resilient infrastructure accordingly,” he urged stakeholders in the private sector.

Mr Oladipo advised citizens and communities to plant and nurture trees and avoid blocking drains with refuse.

“Speak up on wetland encroachment. Join community-led action—resilience is built household by household,” he urged.

Citing Lagos, built largely on wetlands, lagoons, and reclaimed land, and sitting almost at sea level, as well as having over 20 million inhabitants, making it one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, Mr Oladipo warned that the sea level in the state is projected to rise by three meters by 2050.

He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its plans and actions to withstand the challenges and mitigate the effects of climate change, while urging other states to follow Lagos’ lead.

“Lagos Climate Action Plan (2021) targets an emission-neutral city by 2050; named Nigeria’s top state for climate governance, two years running (2025); 20,000-tree planting campaign for 2026—already 67% complete by mid-year.

“Lagos State Health Adaptation Plan (2026-2030) building climate risk into healthcare planning; Removal of illegal structures from wetlands and drainage channels—politically difficult, ecologically necessary; community-led clean-ups and mangrove restoration across Apapa, Lagos Island, and beyond,” Mr Oladipo noted.