The Lagos State Government is considering stronger financing options to improve disaster recovery, particularly as flooding and other climate-related risks continue to threaten communities across the state.

The development followed a strategic engagement between the state’s Office of Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations University–Institute for Environment and Human Security. The state disclosed details of the meeting in a statement obtained by The Punch on Wednesday.

The engagement centred on “strengthening disaster resilience and financing recovery in Lagos State”, with participants reviewing existing gaps and considering practical approaches to improving disaster-risk financing.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs, said the state was committed to “innovative, sustainable and data-driven approaches” to managing climate and disaster risks. The official also highlighted the need for stronger financing mechanisms to protect livelihoods, speed up recovery and support the development of resilient communities.

The statement further quoted the Permanent Secretary as stressing that improved disaster-risk financing would be critical to supporting communities affected by climate-related emergencies.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, also underscored the need for wider collaboration in disaster preparedness and recovery.

According to the statement, effective preparation for and recovery from disasters would require increased cooperation among the government, development partners, the insurance industry, communities and other stakeholders.

The engagement with the United Nations University–Institute for Environment and Human Security also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and identify gaps in Lagos State’s existing approach to disaster-risk financing.

Discussions also examined ways to strengthen the state’s long-term resilience to flooding and other climate-related risks.

The UNU-EHS delegation, led by Dr Habeeb Okunola and Sarin Oh, commended the Lagos team for its depth of expertise and practical experience, according to the statement.

Officials from the Ministries of Environment and Finance, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Resilience Office and the Office of Drainage Services also took part in the engagement.

The statement did not provide details of any particular financing instrument being considered. However, the discussions focused on disaster-risk financing as a key part of efforts to improve Lagos State’s ability to prepare for and recover from climate-related emergencies.

Source: Punch