The commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has urged scientists to provide evidence-based solutions to tackle climate change and strengthen resilience in coastal cities.

Mr Wahab made the call in a post on X on Tuesday after delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 58th Annual Conference of the Science Association of Nigeria in Ikeja.

Mr Wahab described the theme as timely, noting that countries were facing worsening climate impacts, including record heatwaves in Europe and increased rainfall and flooding in Lagos.

He said climate change is real and requires collective action by governments, scientists and citizens.

According to him, the blue economy extends beyond oceans, ports and fisheries to sustainable economic growth through healthy water ecosystems, environmental protection and social inclusion.

The commissioner restated that science must remain the foundation of decisions affecting coastal environments because it provides evidence for sound policies and future risk preparedness.

He described Lagos as a low-lying coastal megacity with a 187-kilometre coastline that is increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise.

Mr Wahab said decisions on urban planning, infrastructure and ecosystem protection would determine the city’s resilience to future climate threats.

He said the health of oceans and people was interconnected, warning that polluted waterways and flooding increased the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

According to him, deteriorating marine ecosystems also threaten food security and nutrition, making environmental protection a public health priority.

“The time for optional collaboration is over. It is now a necessity,” Mr Wahab said.

He called for stronger collaboration among government, scientists and academic institutions to address environmental and public health challenges.

Mr Wahab also urged participants to produce practical, science-driven recommendations that would support a cleaner, healthier and more climate-resilient Lagos.

(NAN)