By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Government has called on scientists to develop evidence-based solutions that will tackle climate change, strengthen the resilience of coastal cities and support sustainable environmental management.
The call was made on Tuesday, 21 July, 2026 by the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 58th Annual Conference of the Science Association of Nigeria in Ikeja.
He said the conference came at a critical time as countries continue to grapple with the devastating effects of climate change, including record-breaking heatwaves in Europe and increasing rainfall and flooding in Lagos.
Wahab described the conference theme as timely, stressing that climate change is no longer a distant concern but a present reality that demands coordinated action from governments, scientists, researchers and citizens.
He said science must remain the foundation of decisions affecting coastal environments because it provides the evidence required for sound policymaking, effective planning and preparedness for future environmental risks.
The commissioner explained that the blue economy extends beyond oceans, ports and fisheries, noting that it also encompasses sustainable economic growth driven by healthy water ecosystems, environmental protection and social inclusion.
According to him, Lagos, as a low-lying coastal megacity with a 187-kilometre coastline, remains increasingly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels and other climate-related threats.
He noted that decisions taken today on urban planning, infrastructure development and ecosystem conservation would determine the city’s capacity to withstand future climate challenges.
Wahab also highlighted the close relationship between environmental sustainability and public health, warning that polluted waterways and recurrent flooding significantly increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
He added that the continued degradation of marine ecosystems poses serious threats to food security and nutrition, making environmental protection a critical public health priority.
The Commissioner stressed that collaboration among governments, scientists, researchers and academic institutions is no longer optional but essential to addressing the growing environmental and public health challenges confronting society.
He therefore urged participants at the conference to produce practical, science-driven recommendations that would support the development of a cleaner, healthier and more climate-resilient Lagos while providing sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
FRSC Boss Seeks Stronger Global Cooperation on Road Safety at UN Meeting
By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has called for stronger international cooperation to improve road safety, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the United Nations target of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030 through institutional reforms, technological innovation and strategic partnerships.
Mohammed made the call while presenting Nigeria’s national statement at the ongoing United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety at the UN General Assembly Headquarters in New York, United States.
He is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The global gathering brings together Heads of State, ministers, policymakers and road safety experts to accelerate the implementation of commitments under the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu during the plenary session themed: “Scaling Up and Accelerating Implementation of Commitments to Halving Road Traffic Deaths and Injuries by 2030,” the Corps Marshal reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to strengthen road safety governance through sustained political commitment, strategic investments, innovation and stronger international partnerships in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mohammed said the Federal Government has continued to strengthen the institutional capacity of the FRSC through strategic reforms, deployment of technology-driven enforcement systems, improved emergency response mechanisms and intensified public enlightenment campaigns aimed at reducing fatalities on Nigerian roads.
