"When we say Lagos is building a resilient, sustainable city, we can testify that there's real progress, innovative programs, intentional partnerships, and bold steps on climate action. ESG isn't just a buzzword here; it is a benchmark for shaping policy, practice, and private sector collaboration."
The remarks of Titi Oshodi – Special Adviser, Climate Change & Circular Economy, Lagos State, who represented the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, at the Private Sector ESG Forum themed
"Energy Security and Decarbonisation: Bridging the Gap for a Sustainable Future,"
which held at the Civic Centre, Lagos on Wednesday October 29, 2025.
Where Circularity, Clean Energy, and ESG Transform City Life
Lagos is not simply talking about sustainability; the city is acting. Special Adviser Titi Oshodi spotlighted Lagos' circular economy programs, partnerships for clean energy, and a jobs-rich, health-focused climate agenda, all backed by bold ESG benchmarks.
"We're building a resilient, sustainable city—and working with private sector leaders to make it real." With over 20 million residents, urgency is a reality.
Waste-to-Wealth, Circularity, and Clean Energy
What does impact look like? Thousands participate in the Eco Circulate Initiative, earning revenue from waste collection and recycling, with hundreds of innovative businesses supported.
The "Let Lagos Breathe" air quality drive and bold circular models are shifting mindsets from linear to circular. Lagos is the anchor for Nigeria's 80 million clean cookstove national distribution, with 6–8 million for Lagos households in phase one.
This initiative promises 35 million new jobs over four to five years, improved health for millions of women and children, and an expected 1.2 billion tons of CO2 averted from better fuels.
| Metric | Value | Note |
| Lagos population (estimated) | Over 20m | Mega city, target population for ESG impact |
| Eco Circulate Initiative participants | Thousands | Revenue via waste recycling |
| Jobs created by the clean cookstove project (4–5yrs) | 35 million | Carbon credits, distribution, and manufacturing |
| Lagos clean cookstoves (first phase, households) | 6–8 million | Reducing pollution, improving health |
| National clean cookstove target | 80 million | Largest deployment Africa-wide |
| Annual losses to deforestation | N300 billion | Firewood, forest degradation |
| CO₂ emissions averted (project lifetime) | 1.2 billion | Clean cookstove project nationwide |
| Women & children benefitting (health) | Millions | Lower indoor air pollution, better outcomes |
| Circular economy businesses supported | Hundreds | Scaling local innovation |
| Energy security/renewable pilot sites (current) | Multi ongoing | Green finance, distributed clean energy |
Lagos Sustainability Impact: Jobs, Clean Energy, Circular Economy & Health Gains
Inclusive Circular Prosperity and Climate-Ready Growth
Lagos' clean cookstove partnership ("Mother of all programs") means less deforestation, healthier families, and regenerative finance via carbon credits.
Markets for waste-to-wealth startups are expanding, and environmental justice, fairness, and gender inclusion are written into policy design.
The result: tangible climate action, local revenue, millions lifted by innovation.
Ways for Lasting Impact
With dedicated partnership platforms and bold pilot programs, Lagos is scaling green finance, renewables, and inclusive circularity, integrating sustainability in every aspect of governance.
The city calls on businesses, innovators, and civil society to align actions, co-create solutions, and expand green jobs, from waste innovation to clean household energy. Lagos is ready and inviting others to join.
Path Forward – Lagos Grows Greener, Jobs, Inclusion Rise
Lagos is championing circular economy incentives, clean energy adoption, and gender inclusion to institutionalise ESG impact and foster green urban livelihoods.
Strategic partnerships and pilot projects are creating new regenerative jobs, expanding innovation, and unlocking neighbourhood pathways to healthier, climate-ready city living.
