The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a green economy through strategic collaborations that support sustainable environmental practices, especially within the fast-growing e-commerce sector.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop on the “Greening E-commerce Agenda” held in Lagos, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs Titi Oshodi, emphasised that the state’s green drive is not an attempt to stifle business growth but to reshape how commerce operates in harmony with the environment.
“The green economy initiative is not rocket science. It’s about embracing safer, smarter ways of doing business. We’re not here to witch-hunt businesses but to protect the ecosystem while sustaining economic growth,” Oshodi said.
The workshop, backed by the German Development Agency (GIZ) under its Pan-African e-Commerce Initiative (PeCI), brought together public and private sector players to explore how logistics, packaging, and trade practices can evolve toward sustainability.
Oshodi noted that Lagos, being the economic hub of Nigeria, has a responsibility to lead by example. She explained that the decision to regulate single-use plastics and encourage eco-friendly alternatives followed in-depth analysis of their environmental toll.
She urged stakeholders to join in building public awareness and driving climate literacy, especially among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the state’s economy.
“Our goal is not just about policy. It’s about education, engagement, and empowerment. Businesses need to understand why these changes are happening and how they can benefit from embracing sustainable practices,” she added.
Highlighting recent progress, she revealed that NIPOST had already adopted solar energy in its collection centres and is transitioning toward sustainable packaging. The state is also encouraging private logistics operators to adopt electric vehicle tricycles for deliveries.
“These vehicles reduce emissions, promote worker health, and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. They also open the door for companies to benefit from regenerative finance through climate-conscious investments,” Oshodi said.
Also speaking at the event, GIZ-PeCI representative Mr Akinropo Omoware stated that the initiative, active in four African countries including Nigeria, aims to boost cross-border e-commerce while addressing environmental concerns tied to logistics and packaging.
“E-commerce is transforming trade, but its growth must not come at the cost of the planet. We must ensure that production, transportation, and packaging all reflect a sustainable approach,” he said.
In his keynote address, Professor Nnaemeka Ngwu of Lagos Business School called for comprehensive legislation to support sustainable e-commerce. He praised the state’s decision to ban single-use plastics, describing it as a necessary move that must be supported by public education and consistent policy enforcement.
The workshop concluded with a consensus that advancing the green economy requires shared responsibility, continuous engagement, and clear regulatory frameworks that support innovation without compromising the environment.