Green Bond Market Devt Programme: Sanwo-Olu signs MoU with over $60m projects investment prospect
By Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to activate the framework for the unlocking of the $1 trillion Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Programme to finance key infrastructure projects.
The MoU signed with FMDQ Group and Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Africa, which are the programme’s implementing partners for a proposed N25 billion (over $60 million) project financing in Lagos, made the State the first sub-national Government to activate the framework.
This came less than 24 hours after Lagos was upgraded to AAA(nga) rating from AA+(nga) by Fitch International for the State’s good standing on debt sustainability and resilience.
Remarking, Governor Sanwo-Olu who appended signature on the MoU at the State House, Marina, said the green bond programme, being supported by the UK Agency for International Development (UK Aid), would raise the capacity of the State Government to deliver more key infrastructure and social projects that would keep Lagos on the path of prosperity.
Launched in 2018, the Green Bond Market Development Programme is to facilitate development of a green bond market to support broader debt capital market reforms that will impact the sovereign and non-sovereign bond markets in the Country.
The programme is to empower State Governments to champion sustainable finance for development.
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the MoU was the crucial first step being taken by Lagos towards creating viable financing option for future green and sustainability projects.
The funding opportunity, he said, will advance adoption of innovation and technologies to provide green jobs, thereby promoting economic and climate resiliency.
He said: “As a Government, we are committed to utilise our limited resources more efficiently to create a circular economy, which is a promising and viable alternative.
“Public spending and investments may not be enough to deliver our key objectives; therefore, the need to tap into more private investments for the transition to a zero waste and circular economy, as well as achieving crucial items of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“I strongly believe that the Green Bond programme will open the doors of deep sustainable funds for infrastructure and social development for Lagos.
“Being the biggest player in the sub-national capital market, Lagos’ experience can open new doors for a lot of others. As a State, we embrace the transparency and commitment that comes with a Green Finance framework.
“We believe it sends an important signal to investors in the market about who we are: a State that is fiscally responsible, prudent and disciplined.”
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’ credential in investment sustainability made the State take the bold step to activate the framework to benefit from the programme.
He said the initiative would go a long way in ensuring that key deliverables in his administration’s policy thrust – T.H.E.M.E.S agenda – are actualised.
He further assured that the State would continue to blaze the trail of leadership, financial accountability, innovation and sustainability.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond, said the journey to get the framework approved started last year, disclosing that the MoU highlighted key projects to be delivered by the State Government to actualise economic sustainability.
Mentioning that the finance would be invested on green projects, she said that the implementing partners had created a mechanism to ensure funds earmarked were disbursed judiciously.
On his part, the State’s Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, said Lagos had 20 years experience in raising bonds, assuring implementing partners and capital market operators of the State’s commitment to the terms highlighted in the framework.
Chief Executive Officer of FMDQ Group, Mr. Bola Onadele, said Lagos had built reputation and “incredible potential” for catalysing broad-based sustainable development, which explained the partners’ readiness to support the State in unlocking the capital to fund key projects.
He said: “I have no doubt that the implementation of this MoU and the impact thereof will ensure that Lagos continues to set itself apart, support its developmental aspirations and highlight its sustainability efforts at the global green and sustainable finance ecosystem. We are excited about this opportunity to support the developmental aspirations of Lagos.”
Also, FSD Africa CEO, Mr. Mark Napier, saluted the Governor’s energy and his commitment towards providing infrastructure which future generations can rely on.
He said: “It’s truly a significant event that the economic powerhouse of Africa’s largest economy is signing the Green Bond Investment and I can say this is leadership being demonstrated by the Lagos State Government. I expect other States to follow this path.”
