Sanwo-Olu signs MoU, as Lagos joins global climate action coalition
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Climate Group, formally marking Lagos State’s entry into the Under2 Coalition, the world’s largest network of states and regions committed to achieving net-zero emissions and building climate-resilient economies.
The signing ceremony took place in London on Monday during the 2026 London Climate Action Week, where global leaders, policymakers, investors and climate stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for tackling climate change and accelerating sustainable development.
The Under2 Coalition, convened by Climate Group, comprises more than 180 states and regions representing over half of the global economy. Through the coalition, subnational governments collaborate to accelerate climate action, exchange best practices and strengthen efforts toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the state government said the MoU represents a non-binding commitment that aligns with Lagos State’s existing climate ambitions and environmental priorities.
According to Akosile, while the agreement does not create legal obligations, it reflects a shared commitment to advancing climate action and strengthening cooperation with subnational governments across the world.
The statement noted that the signing coincided with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s participation in the climate summit, where Lagos showcased its evolving climate governance and finance strategy, particularly through its State-Determined Contributions (SDCs) framework and investment-ready climate projects.
Speaking on the significance of the development, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos remains committed to building a resilient and sustainable future despite the growing threats posed by climate change.
He said cities and regions now play increasingly central roles in climate action, adding that joining the coalition would deepen Lagos’ collaboration with leading governments worldwide.
“Joining the Under2 Coalition strengthens Lagos State’s commitment to building a resilient, low-carbon future while deepening collaboration with leading governments around the world,” he said.
“As Africa’s economic and commercial hub, Lagos is determined to demonstrate that climate action and economic growth can go hand in hand, delivering tangible benefits for people, communities and future generations,” the governor added.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, said Lagos State is moving beyond policy ambition into practical implementation.
She noted that membership of the coalition provides a strategic platform to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge and showcase the progress Lagos is making in climate action and sustainable development.
“Through our State-Determined Contributions framework and broader climate agenda, Lagos State is moving from ambition to implementation. Membership of the Under2 Coalition provides an important platform to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge and showcase the remarkable work being undertaken in Lagos to accelerate climate action and sustainable development,” she said.
The Under2 Coalition and Subnational Governments team, while welcoming Lagos into the network, described the state as one of Africa’s leading subnational governments with a compelling climate story.
The coalition stated that Lagos’ admission creates fresh opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and international partnerships aimed at accelerating climate implementation and resilience.
With this latest move, Lagos further consolidates its position as one of Africa’s leading subnational actors in climate governance, as the state seeks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability amid increasing climate-related challenges.
The Lagos State delegation at the summit included the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunboh Wahab; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George; Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih; and Special Adviser on Public Private Partnerships, Mrs. Bukola Odoe.
The move marks another significant step in Lagos State’s climate journey, reinforcing its ambition to become a leading model for sustainable urban development in Africa and beyond.