To enhance climate resilience, Germany has pledged to support Lagos and other states in Nigeria in integrating adaptation measures into their development plans.
Johannes Lehne, deputy ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, made this known recently in Lagos at a Sub-National Dialogue on Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into State Development Plans.
The event was organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with the Lagos State Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (LOCCE).
Lehne said the aim is to support states in mainstreaming climate actions into their development plans, foster inclusive adaptation with private sector participation, build institutional capacity, and align policies with national and international frameworks.
He noted that Germany had supported Nigeria for more than 50 years across all regions, tailoring programmes to the specific needs of states from Sokoto to Lagos, Niger to Anambra, and Port Harcourt to Borno.
“Different regions face different challenges, from desertification in the North to flooding in the South, and we have designed responses accordingly,” he said.
The envoy highlighted solar power as a key area of partnership with Lagos.
“In Lagos, we are looking at photovoltaic systems, especially for traffic management, home solar systems, and also for energy production, not only for the citizens but also for the government.” “There will be financing windows to implement this,” he explained.
“For us, Nigeria is a key partner in Africa’s energy transition,” he added.
Markus Wagner, GIZ country director for Nigeria and ECOWAS, said that flooding, sea level rise, heat stress and pressure of rapid urbanisation pose real threats to infrastructures, livelihoods and human well-being, noting that these realities are a reminder that climate change is not an abstract future risk but already shaping the lives of millions of people.
He explained that these realities also remind us that solutions must be found where the challenges are most directly felt, stressing the need why integrating adaptation into state development plans and budgets is vital.
It ensures resilience and is built into governance, infrastructure, agriculture, and the daily lives of citizens, Wagner said.
“Germany is proud to stand with Nigeria in this effort. Our cooperation already spans many areas. Through GIZ, we work on climate governance, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development, among others,” he said.
He explained that while the Federal Government had taken strides through the National Development Plan (2021-2023), the National Adaptation Plan, and the Climate Change Act, much remained to be done at the state level.
“To take concrete actions, states need to develop policy frameworks that integrate climate action into their development plans and annual budgets,” he said.
He noted that GIZ was partnering with Lagos and other states to build capacity, close institutional gaps and align policies with both national frameworks and international agreements such as the Paris Accord.
Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, said the dialogue is an opportunity for states to learn how to align development plans with climate action.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Sam Egube, deputy chief of staff to the Lagos State Governor, said Lagos has a 30-year development plan that is secured by the people and the House of Assembly.
“No budget goes to the Assembly without being traced to the plan, and this keeps us on track,” the governor said.
He described Lagos as both vulnerable and strategic, noting its low-lying geography and its role as a magnet for migrants fleeing instability and climate pressures in other parts of Nigeria.
“If we do nothing, the climate situation will cost Lagos about $26 billion. However, with just $8 billion, we can take action,” he said
“That is why we are inviting partners, even though we are not waiting for them, because Lagos is already taking deliberate steps,” he added.
