LAGOS TARGETS URBAN HEAT WITH N2.5M TREE-PLANTING INITIATIVE
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has introduced a N2.5 million tree-planting prize as part of activities for the 2026 World Environment Day, in a bid to promote environmental sustainability and address the rising challenge of urban heat across the state.
The initiative was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, during the World Environment Day celebration held at Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park, Ikeja.
The development follows the United Nations’ classification of Lagos among 50 cities globally at risk of experiencing extreme temperatures of up to 50°C.
This year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature for Climate, For Our Future,” emphasises nature-based solutions to climate change and the development of resilient urban centres.
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Rotimi-Akodu explained that the state will plant 500 trees across Lagos as part of the commemoration and will also launch a programme tagged “Me and My Tree” to encourage public participation in environmental protection.
Under the initiative, free seedlings will be distributed to participants, who are expected to plant and care for them for one year. The individual with the best-performing tree will receive a N2.5 million cash prize.
He noted that Lagos will also join other global cities under the United Nations Environment Programme’s “50 Cities at 50°C” initiative, aimed at addressing extreme urban heat challenges.
According to him, the state has adopted the theme “50 Cities at 50°C: Lagos Rising Against the Urban Heat Island” to align its climate adaptation strategy with global efforts to reduce rising temperatures.
Rotimi-Akodu warned that climate change, rapid urbanisation, and population growth are placing increasing pressure on cities, leading to higher emissions, loss of vegetation, and rising heat levels.
He cited data from the World Meteorological Organisation showing that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, while 2025 ranks as the third warmest year.
He added that Lagos, as Africa’s most populous city and a major economic hub, remains highly vulnerable to climate risks such as flooding, sea level rise, and extreme heat.
He further explained that extreme heat is already affecting public health, productivity, energy demand, air quality, and overall living conditions, with increasing cases of heat stress, dehydration, heat stroke, and respiratory issues.
The government outlined ongoing interventions to tackle climate challenges, including investments in integrated transport systems such as Bus Rapid Transit, rail networks, and water transportation to reduce congestion and emissions.
Rotimi-Akodu also revealed that over seven million trees have been planted in Lagos since 2009 through government agencies, schools, communities, and private sector participation.
He added that the state has developed a Climate Health Adaptation Plan (2026–2030) aimed at strengthening healthcare systems against climate-related risks, improving disease surveillance, and expanding access to care for vulnerable residents.
He stressed that climate resilience requires collective responsibility, noting that Lagos’ progress is rooted in innovation and collaboration.
Speaking virtually, the Global Chief Heat Officer for the United Nations Environment Programme and partner organisations, Dr Eleni Myrivili, described extreme heat as one of the most urgent urban challenges facing cities worldwide.
She noted that rising temperatures are already shaping daily life across regions and called for urgent adaptation measures tailored to each city’s specific conditions.
A meteorologist with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Benson Levi, also warned that temperature data from 1991 to 2025 shows a consistent upward trend in Lagos heat levels.
He said minimum temperatures in the state have continued to rise steadily, reflecting the increasing impact of climate change despite ongoing mitigation efforts.
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