Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) engaged stakeholders earlier today, September 11th, on the implementation of a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Registry for Lagos State. The registry aims to track and manage GHG emissions from various sources, including industries, transportation, and energy generation.

The initiative is a crucial step towards reducing Lagos State’s carbon footprint and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

According to Mofoluso Fagbeja, lead consultant for TPHG Technologies Limited, the registry will enable public and private organizations to report their emissions, providing verifiable information to access green funding and participate in global carbon trading schemes.

Fagbeja explained that the platform aims to empower local businesses and organizations to attract green investments and participate in the global carbon market. He noted that by leveraging the registry, Lagos State can direct interventions to reduce air pollution, which is estimated to cause up to 30,000 premature deaths annually.

Furthermore, Fagbeja stated that the registry will help the state attract funding to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as flooding and sea level rise, by providing tangible infrastructure. With the launch of the Lagos Carbon Registry, Lagos State is poised to take a leading role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.

• Enabling organizations to access green funding and participate in global carbon trading schemes
• Directing interventions to reduce air pollution and promote sustainable development
• Attracting funding to mitigate the effects of climate change
• Empowering local businesses and organizations to attract green investments

By launching the Lagos Carbon Registry, Lagos State is taking a significant step towards creating a sustainable future and reducing the impact of climate change.

Dr. Tunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, was represented by Mrs. Adedayo Adebayo, Director of Environmental Sustainability in LASEPA. He highlighted the interconnectedness of environment and health, emphasizing that human activities have a negative impact on the environment if not properly managed.

Dr. Tunde Ajayi noted that emissions from household and industrial activities affect the environment, contributing to climate change and global warming. He proposed the Lagos Carbon Registry to address this issue by providing an online platform for organizations and individuals to input their emissions.

He explained that the platform will be segmented into different sectors, including transport, agriculture, and industry.

Dr. Tunde Ajayi stated that the registry will enable organizations and individuals to benefit from carbon trading while reducing emissions that harm the environment. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES plus agenda, which prioritizes environment and health.

According to Engr. Rotimi Akodu represented by Bankole Michael, head of climate change and environmental planning, the registry will help the state understand the amount of emissions in the atmosphere and make informed decisions to reduce them. The data collected will be used to calculate emissions from each organization and sector, enabling the state government to take targeted action.

The Lagos Carbon Registry is not a new initiative, but a mandatory requirement under the climate change initiative. It is not intended to generate revenue but to promote environmental responsibility. The registry will help organizations reduce emissions and save money by adopting clean development mechanisms.

The State Government will work with stakeholders to agree on emission reduction targets for each sector, which will become law. Organizations that exceed these targets will face punishment, while those that meet them will avoid penalties and save money.

Gbenga Adeleke, Head of Environmental and Social Risk Management at Access Bank, praised the Lagos State Government and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) for launching the Lagos Carbon Registry initiative.

Adeleke described the initiative as “innovative and creative” and highlighted its significance in addressing global warming. He noted that the registry will provide a matrix for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, enabling effective management and reduction of emissions.

Access Bank has already taken steps to measure its own greenhouse gas emissions, including diesel and PMS consumption, national grid emissions, and employee commuting emissions. Adeleke emphasized the bank’s strong commitment to sustainability and its positive impact on the environment.

The Lagos Carbon Registry is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating the effects of climate change, including health challenges, global warming, drought, and flooding. Adeleke expressed Access Bank’s willingness to partner with the Lagos State Government on this initiative, commending the state government for setting an example for others to follow.