*Stakeholders unite to promote environmental sustainability and collective climate action in Nigeria
In commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, themed “Climate Action,” Addefort Nigeria, through its environmental advocacy platform Conservation Communicator-NG, successfully hosted the Conservation Walk and Conference in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, and other local and international stakeholders.
Held under the banner of the Nigeria Conservation Race (NCR 2026), the event convened government officials, environmental experts, development partners, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, researchers, media professionals, and environmental advocates to promote environmental sustainability, raise awareness on climate action, and encourage collective responsibility toward building a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Nigeria.
The activities commenced with the Conservation Walk, held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from Allen Avenue Junction to Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. The walk mobilized individuals and organizations around a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable living, reinforcing the message that environmental protection requires urgent, collective, and sustained action.
Welcoming participants to the virtual conference on Friday, June 5, 2026, Olabamiji Adeleye, Lead Consultant of Addefort Nigeria and Convener of the Conservation Walk and Conference, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Nigeria Conservation Race (NCR)—a platform dedicated to accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward a greener, safer, and more sustainable future.
In his remarks, Adeleye highlighted the importance of collaboration among governments, development agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, and citizens in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development goals.
“As part of the Nigeria Conservation Race vision, we remain committed to spotlighting innovative solutions, transformative ideas, and practical strategies that can address environmental challenges while creating opportunities for sustainable development. We believe that innovation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships are essential to driving positive environmental change and building resilience for generations to come,” he stated.
The Convener also introduced Conservation Communicator-NG (www.conservationcommunicator.ng) as a dedicated engagement platform where individuals, institutions, and corporate organizations can share perspectives, publish thought leadership articles, and contribute to meaningful conversations on environmental sustainability.
According to him, the platform will serve as a hub for expert insights, research findings, policy updates, and critical information on climate action, environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, on the theme:
“Climate Action in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Lagos Experience”
In his address, the Commissioner stressed that climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity and emphasized that climate action is no longer optional but an urgent necessity for sustainable development.
He noted that Nigeria continues to face significant climate-related challenges, including flooding, desertification, drought, coastal erosion, food insecurity, air pollution, and public health risks. He further underscored the need for increased climate financing, stronger institutional capacity, improved infrastructure, and greater public awareness to effectively address these challenges.
Highlighting Lagos State’s response to climate change, the Commissioner outlined several strategic interventions being implemented by the State Government, including:
Sustainable transportation initiatives, including the Lagos Rail Mass Transit System and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) expansion; Enhanced air quality monitoring and environmental management through LASEPA; Modernized waste management systems and circular economy initiatives; Flood control and climate resilience infrastructure investments; Urban greening, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation programmes; Promotion of renewable energy and low-carbon development strategies; and Climate education and youth engagement initiatives.
According to the Commissioner, climate action also presents significant opportunities for economic growth, innovation, job creation, investment attraction, improved public health, and sustainable urban development.
The conference featured a goodwill message from Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, PhD, fnipr, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter, who commended the organizers for creating a platform that promotes environmental awareness, stakeholder engagement, and dialogue on sustainable development.
An engaging panel discussion was moderated by Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Head, Communication, Brand and Events, Lafarge Africa Plc, with distinguished panelists including:
Olukemi Ogunsakin, Head, Corporate Communications, Sustainability and CSR, Guinness Nigeria; Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA); and Rotarian Bola Adewumi, United President, Rotary Club of Ikeja Central.
The panel explored practical approaches to accelerating climate action in Nigeria and highlighted the critical roles of government institutions, private sector organizations, development partners, civil society groups, and local communities in advancing sustainable environmental solutions.
Participants engaged in robust discussions on climate resilience, environmental governance, waste management, air quality improvement, sustainable transportation, public-private partnerships, youth inclusion, and opportunities within the emerging green economy.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of environmental education, behavioural change, and individual responsibility in reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable consumption practices. Participants encouraged citizens to embrace waste reduction measures, support recycling initiatives, and adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles.
Furthermore, stakeholders recognized the growing role of technology and innovation in advancing climate action through improved environmental monitoring, resource efficiency, renewable energy solutions, and data-driven decision-making. They also stressed the need to strengthen information dissemination and public awareness campaigns to ensure wider participation in climate action initiatives.
Special attention was given to the important roles of youth and women as key drivers of environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Participants called for greater inclusion, capacity building, and leadership opportunities for these groups within climate action programmes and policy processes.
Speaking at the close of the conference, the organizers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening environmental advocacy, promoting climate literacy, facilitating stakeholder collaboration, and supporting innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and national development.
The organizers also called on all Nigerians to actively participate in climate action efforts and embrace environmentally responsible practices that contribute to the protection of natural resources and the well-being of future generations.
As the world commemorates World Environment Day 2026, the Conservation Walk and Conference serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful climate action requires collective commitment, strategic partnerships, innovation, and sustained engagement across all sectors of society.
