Lagos Faces Risk Of Submergence Due To Climate Change

Lagos, Nigeria – Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has sounded the alarm that Lagos faces a significant threat of submergence due to climate change. Speaking at the opening of the Lagos State Strategic Management Meeting, he emphasized the urgent need for swift and decisive action to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions. Dr. Hamzat pointed out that cities like New York are already seeing residents relocate because of similar environmental issues, signaling a clear warning for Lagos.

Dr. Hamzat criticized the current physical planning efforts in Lagos, highlighting the lack of proper land management as a major factor in the state’s vulnerability to climate change. He explained that Lagos’s coastal geography, combined with its dense population, makes the city particularly susceptible to flooding and other climate-related disasters. The Deputy Governor stressed that rising sea levels and extreme heat pose existential threats, not just environmental concerns, and called for immediate attention to climate adaptation measures.

He further urged the state government to incorporate robust climate adaptation strategies into its future development plans. Additionally, Dr. Hamzat stressed the need for judicial cooperation to address land-related challenges, calling on the judiciary to support reforms that ensure the safety and future of Lagos residents.

Echoing these concerns, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, highlighted the need for improved efficiency in the justice system. He revealed that over 6,000 cases involving the government were pending as of July 2024, stressing the importance of reducing litigation and focusing on alternative dispute resolution methods to ease the burden on the courts.