The Lagos State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with China through the China-Nigeria Low-Carbon Demonstration initiative (Nextier) on the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone Project.

According to a statement from the partners on Thursday, this partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions in the state. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during a strategic meeting with the Nextier team at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in Alausa, Ikeja.

Wahab stated that the partnership would be meaningful, as the project aligns with the state’s climate ambitions and policy frameworks.

He highlighted the state’s initiatives to drive climate-positive growth, including the Lagos Climate Adaptation Resilience Action Plan, unveiled during the Lagos International Climate Change Summit in 2023.

The project aims to reduce the climate risk index in the state, decrease airborne diseases, and minimise air pollution, ultimately benefiting public health.

Wahab appreciated the project’s potential to increase accessibility to clean energy, create jobs, and make the country competitive in the global market.

The Director of the National Council on Climate Change, Michael Ivenso, noted that the Chinese officials’ visit aims to perfect the Nigeria-China corporation and catalyze private sector participation.

He added that Lagos provides an enabling environment for private sector participants to thrive, with opportunities to explore.

Wahab assured that the ministry would support the project with the necessary data, human resources, and funds to ensure its success.