The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, raised urgent concerns yesterday about the impending threat of climate change, likening Lagos to New York City, which is also experiencing similar challenges. Speaking at a Strategic Management Meeting organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Hamzat warned that Lagos is at risk of submersion if immediate actions are not taken to address climate-related issues.
Emphasizing the critical situation, he urged stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent natural disasters, referencing the growing trend of relocation in places like the UK and New York due to climate change. He highlighted Lagos’s vulnerable position, noting that the state is bordered by water along its 180-kilometer shoreline. “Today, Lagos and New York City are sinking,” he stated.
Hamzat identified three primary threats to Lagos: extreme heat, climate change, and rising sea levels. He emphasized that in the next 20 to 25 years, it is crucial for the state to prioritize the preservation of certain areas to mitigate these risks.
In his opening remarks, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, explained that the stakeholders’ meeting aimed to reduce government litigations in the courts, thereby alleviating the backlog in the justice delivery system caused by avoidable cases.
