Parts of Victoria Island would have disappeared – Lagos govt

Lagos State Government has said 555 hectares of land within Victoria Island would have disappeared into the Atlantic Ocean since 2010.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the State’s annual Climate Change Summit played a huge role in saving the area.

Speaking at the 9th edition of the summit, Sanwo-Olu stressed that climate change is not a future problem.

“It is with us here and now, affecting every community in every country, on every continent.

“We are seeing the impact from wildfires to rising sea levels and flooding, to intensifying heatwaves in places where such phenomena used to be unknown,” he said.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, said Lagos’ status as a littoral State puts it at the mercy of rising sea levels.

“People ask what’s Lagos doing? Victoria Island, 555 hectares, would have disappeared by 2010, but as a result of this summit”, he noted.

Sanwo-Olu recalled that the government launched the Lagos Climate Action Plan covering 2020 – 2025 as part of efforts to manage climate issues.

He said in just a year, the plan has started to deliver great and impactful rewards, including attracting the attention of critical supporters and partners.

The governor cited the recent grant by the UK Government (Future Cities Nigeria) to the Lagos State Waterways Authority to improve the ferry services.

“We have recognised that inaction in the face of the devastating impact of Climate Change is not an option. No one will be left untouched”, he promised.

Sanwo-Olu added that his administration was in talks with the private sector, development partners and donor organisations to find solutions to better adapt to climate impact.

The Lagos helmsman further assured that special emphasis had been placed on protecting women, children and persons with disabilities.