In a recent development aimed at boosting the environmental sustainability and energy efficiency of Lagos state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that his administration is entering into strategic partnerships with Sweden and Japan. The objective is to roll out clean energy projects designed to reduce the state’s carbon footprint and enhance the sustainability of its transport infrastructure and services.
During a courtesy visit from the Swedish envoy, Ms Annika Hahn-Englund, and the Japanese ambassador, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his commitment to sustainable development. “I am committed to providing efficient, safe, and sustainable public transport for our citizens,” he said, adding that the collaborations aim to diversify the state’s energy sources from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives, thereby reducing emissions and improving environmental quality.
As part of the strategy, a feasibility study will be conducted in partnership with a leading Swedish entity. The study will focus on the capacity of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, a key player in the state’s transport landscape. By adopting innovative solutions and technologies, the state hopes to augment its transport models, including waterways, road, and rail.
The Governor further emphasised the state’s openness to business and its readiness to welcome investments and partnerships that resonate with its vision for a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport network.
As part of the broader sustainable development strategy, Lagos is also exploring opportunities in circular economy projects with Japanese partners. Governor Sanwo-Olu is confident that these initiatives will place Lagos at the forefront of sustainability efforts in Africa, paving the way for a brighter future.
The Governor’s dedication to clean energy initiatives isn’t a recent development. Sanwo-Olu has previously expressed his administration’s interest in expanding access to renewable energy in Lagos. His ambition is underpinned by a comprehensive electricity plan that envisages renewable energy as a key component of the state’s energy strategy in both the short and long term.
Further demonstrating this commitment, the Governor has leveraged the recent constitutional amendment that empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. This move has allowed Lagos to aim for an ambitious target of 1GW solar power by 2030, thereby attracting an increased number of investors to the state.
Whilst the Governor’s announcement was met with mixed reactions on Twitter, the broader consensus seems to be that these are positive steps in the right direction. However, some Lagosians expressed their concerns about other pressing issues such as road infrastructure and education.
