The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has called on Nigerians to intensify efforts toward restoring ecosystems to protect the environment.
This appeal was made during the 2024 edition of the “Walk for Nature” held on Saturday, October 19, in Lagos.
Addressing attendees, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, emphasised the importance of building a sustainable future. Represented by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Wahab explained that the annual walk – held every third Saturday in October – promotes awareness about environmental conservation.
This year’s event, which marks the 18th edition, focused on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.”
Wahab stressed that the theme highlights global challenges like deforestation, desertification, and unsustainable land use, which collectively threaten biodiversity and food security.
The Commissioner further noted that Lagos is struggling with the consequences of climate change, including coastal erosion and land degradation, and restated the government’s commitment to initiatives like tree planting, the development of parks, and the Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (LCARP).
“As a frontline state, we must continually strive for improvement, lots of biological and physical solutions will better protect our dear state, the biological solution being low hanging fruits that can be quickly implemented.
“We must as a matter of urgency protect our mangroves which are nature’s gift against coastal erosion and protect our wetlands from encroachment.
“Mangrove afforestation is germane to the state government and collaborative efforts are ongoing to ensure restoration,” Wahab said.
The Commissioner also praised the NCF for its role in conserving 78 hectares of land in Lekki, which serves as a buffer against climate change impacts.
Justice Bukola Adebiyi, Chairman of NCF’s National Executive Council, reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to sustainable land management and water conservation efforts. The event concluded with a tree planting exercise to reinforce the theme of the walk.
