The Lagos State government on Thursday expressed its readiness to partner with China through the China-Nigeria Low-Carbon Demonstration Initiative (Nextier) on the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone (LLCDZ) Project to reduce carbon emissions in the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokinbo Wahab, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with the team from Nextier held at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in Alausa, Ikeja.

He mentioned that the partnership would be meaningful as the project would align with the state’s climate ambitions and policy frameworks.

He noted that the Lagos State government has implemented several key initiatives to promote climate-positive growth, such as during the 2023 Lagos International Climate Change Summit, when the state government unveiled the Lagos Climate Adaptation Resilient Action Plan.

According to him, the Ministries of Environment in Nigeria and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last year on the African Solar Belt Initiative to support the country with low-carbon industrialisation.

Wahab added that the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State was identified and chosen as the pilot site for the project because that part of Lagos is the most advanced and forward-looking area in Nigeria.

He said the project aims to reduce the climate risk index in the state, decrease airborne diseases, and lower air pollution, resulting in major benefits for public health.

The commissioner expressed excitement that the project will increase accessibility to clean energy.

He stressed that the Global Energy Transition will create jobs, make the country competitive in the global market, and ensure environmental compliance.

He expressed gratitude to the team and highlighted key projects, emphasising that the ministry is prepared to support members with the necessary data, human resources, and funds to facilitate their work.

In his response, the Director of the National Council on Climate Change from the Presidency, Mr Michael Ivenso, said the officials from China are visiting to enhance Nigeria-China cooperation and how this will catalyse private sector participation.

He stated that Lagos provides a conducive environment for private sector participants (PSP) to flourish, adding that there are opportunities to be explored in Lagos State.