The governor gave the warning on Saturday during the 20th edition of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) Walk for Nature, held at Lagos State University in Ojo. The event, themed “Inspired for Climate Action,” brought together stakeholders to promote environmental protection and encourage practical responses to climate change. Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, said Lagos’s coastal location, low-lying terrain and growing population made the protection of wetlands, mangroves and lagoons essential to the safety of residents.

He explained that wetlands serve as natural barriers against flooding and coastal erosion, warning that filling or building over these areas can obstruct the movement of water and worsen the impact of heavy rainfall.

The governor also highlighted the state government’s efforts to address plastic pollution, noting that restrictions on styrofoam and other single-use plastics form part of its broader environmental sustainability agenda. He said the government was encouraging the development of environmentally friendly alternatives while promoting awareness in schools and communities.

On the protection of wetlands and floodplains, Sanwo-Olu referred to the state government's September 2025 directive suspending reclamation projects and requiring appropriate environmental impact assessments and drainage clearances. The directive was intended to curb unregulated reclamation and protect waterways and environmentally sensitive areas.

He stressed that development projects in Lagos must comply with environmental regulations and obtain the necessary approvals before work begins.

The governor said the state was also pursuing measures such as drainage improvements, tree planting, mangrove restoration and the development of green spaces to strengthen natural defences against flooding and rising temperatures.

He urged residents to avoid dumping refuse in drains, reduce their use of disposable plastics and refrain from encroaching on wetlands and drainage corridors. Young people were also encouraged to separate waste, plant trees and promote responsible environmental practices in schools, hostels and surrounding communities.

Sanwo-Olu commended the NCF for sustaining its environmental advocacy over the past two decades, saying future efforts should focus on measurable improvements rather than awareness alone.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NCF National Executive Council, Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, warned that Lagos faced serious climate-related challenges, including rising sea levels, flooding, extreme heat and the loss of wetlands.

Adebiyi said nature conservation should be treated as an essential part of urban planning rather than a separate environmental concern. She identified wetlands, forests, waterways and green spaces as important natural assets that help keep cities liveable and protect communities from climate-related risks.

She cited the Lekki Conservation Centre as an example of how natural ecosystems could be preserved within a rapidly expanding urban environment. She also called on governments to integrate climate action into land-use planning, flood management, infrastructure development and environmental governance.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ayodeji Badejo, Senior Deputy Bursar Jerry Jinadu described the Walk for Nature as an initiative that combines physical fitness, community engagement and environmental awareness.

He said the annual activity provides an opportunity to remind participants of their shared responsibility to protect the environment and encourage sustainable practices.

The 20th edition of the Walk for Nature reinforces calls for stronger cooperation between government, environmental organisations, businesses, educational institutions and residents to protect Lagos’s natural ecosystems and reduce the risks associated with climate change.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media