LAGOS STRENGTHENS TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESILIENCE THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a more transparent, accountable, and resilient public sector by institutionalising sustainability reporting across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The commitment was reiterated during the Executive Sustainability Reporting Strategic Alignment Meeting and the second phase of the Sustainability Reporting Capacity Building Programme, designed to deepen the integration of sustainability principles into governance and public service delivery.
Speaking at the meeting held in Alausa, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George explained that as Africa’s fastest-growing megacity, Lagos must consistently lead by adopting global best practices that promote transparency, responsible resource management, and long-term development.
He stressed that the State has, over time, adopted various sustainability reporting standards, albeit in a fragmented manner. He assured stakeholders that the State would commence the process of harmonising and strengthening its sustainability reporting framework in line with global best practices, with a view to enhancing transparency, accountability, and sustainable development outcomes.
The Commissioner added that just as Lagos has led the way in infrastructure, innovation, and public sector reforms, it is once again positioning itself at the forefront of transparency, climate action, and sustainable governance in Nigeria and across Africa.
In his words, “Every sustainability report represents more than compliance; it is a declaration of accountability to the people. It demonstrates our commitment to building a Lagos that is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, economically resilient, and prepared for the challenges
and opportunities of the future”.
Corroborating the Commissioner’s statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih noted that sustainability reporting goes beyond compliance requirements, describing it as a practical governance tool that enables institutions to measure impact, manage risks, strengthen accountability, and make more informed decisions.
According to her, this initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to build an inclusive, globally competitive, and future-ready Lagos.
“Lagos has consistently set the pace in governance innovation, infrastructure development, and public sector reforms. By embracing sustainability reporting and seeking technical collaboration with relevant regulatory institutions, Lagos is once again demonstrating its readiness to lead
rather than wait for mandates. This is governance in action and a practical expression of the dividends of democracy”, Dr. Finnih remarked.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, clarified that the State’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS S1 and S2) will enable it to provide clearer information on its environmental, social, and governance performance, including climate-related risks, resilience plans, and service delivery outcomes.
He further highlighted the benefits of the initiative to include stronger decision-making, improved climate resilience, increased investor confidence, and enhanced operational efficiency across public institutions.
He stressed that access to development financing and climate funds is increasingly tied to credible sustainability data, adding that Lagos’ commitment to international reporting standards will further strengthen its reputation as a trusted destination for investment and partnerships.
“Lagos has always been a leader from pioneering infrastructure projects such as the Blue Line Rail to transformative urban developments like Eko Atlantic City. The world already looks to Lagos for innovation and progress. Through sustainability reporting, Lagos is once again setting a benchmark for transparency, climate action, accountability, and sustainable governance across Africa”, Olowo declared.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC), which is providing technical support for the programme, commended Lagos State for taking a leadership role in sustainability reporting and pledged continued support through capacity building, reporting standardisation, and implementation guidance.
Participants were encouraged to champion sustainability reporting within their respective institutions, recognising it as an important step towards strengthening governance, improving public trust, and delivering better outcomes for residents.
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