The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to science-based policies in tackling climate change and environmental challenges, even as its coastal location presents enormous opportunities for sustainable economic growth through the blue economy.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab stated this at the opening of the 58th Annual Hybrid Conference of the Science Association of Nigeria, SAN, tagged Eko 2026, under the theme: “Science, Coastal Cities, Public Health, and Social Equality in the Blue Economy.”
Wahab, while delivering the keynote address, said climate change is no longer a subject for debate but a reality that requires urgent, science-driven solutions.
He cited recent incidents of flash flooding in major cities across the United States, Europe and Asia as evidence of the growing effects of global warming, stressing that Lagos cannot be insulated from the impacts of climate change.
According to the commissioner, Lagos, as one of Africa’s largest coastal cities, is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, coastal erosion and flooding because of its geography.
He noted that the state covers 3,577 square kilometres, with about one-third consisting of water bodies, while accommodating about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s population, making sustainable environmental planning essential.
Wahab said scientific research must remain the foundation for policymaking, particularly in areas such as urban planning, infrastructure development, coastal resilience and ecosystem protection.
He warned that polluted waterways and flood-contaminated drinking water increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases, while the degradation of marine ecosystems threatens food security and livelihoods.
The commissioner called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, researchers and industry, stressing that practical, evidence-based research is critical to building resilient coastal communities and advancing the blue economy.
In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji, described Lagos’ hosting of the conference as recognition of the state’s commitment to science, environmental sustainability and innovation.
He noted that the Secretariat of SAN’s Lagos State Public Service Chapter is domiciled in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and over 2,000 scientific officers and science technologists serve across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.
According to him, while rapid urbanisation, climate change, pollution and environmental degradation pose significant challenges, Lagos’coastal location also presents enormous opportunities for sustainable economic growth through the blue economy.
Gaji stressed that harnessing these opportunities requires scientific research, technological innovation, sound public policies and stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry and development partners.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Science Association of Nigeria,SAN, Professor Adeniyi Ogunjobi, commended scientists from across the country for attending the conference despite prevailing security challenges.
He said participants travelled from different geopolitical zones, including the North-Central, North-West, South-East, South-South and South-West, describing their presence as a demonstration of commitment to advancing science in Nigeria.
Professor Ogunjobi urged governments at all levels to increase investment in science through improved budgetary allocations, research grants and infrastructure for science education from primary to tertiary institutions.
He maintained that adequate funding of scientific research is essential for innovation, national development and economic growth.
The SAN President also highlighted the association’s legacy as Nigeria’s foremost scientific organisation, established in 1958 at the University of Ibadan, noting that it has produced several discipline-based scientific societies over the decades.
He encouraged researchers to publish in the Nigerian Journal of Science, describing it as one of the country’s oldest peer-reviewed scientific journals and an important platform for scientific knowledge dissemination.
The conference brought together scientists, researchers, academics, students, policymakers and development partners to discuss strategies for strengthening science, improving public health, promoting social equity and harnessing the opportunities of the blue economy for sustainable national development.