Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos commissioner for environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab has emphasized that the state’s green transition plan is far more than a regulatory tick-box — it’s a chance for small businesses to unlock fresh opportunities.
The commissioner made this known yesterday at the Lagos Green Economy Forum which took place at the MUSON Centre.
Represented by General Manager of LASEPA, Babatunde Ajayi, Wahab declared, “Small businesses are the engine of the Lagos economy, and we have about 9,000 businesses driving commerce in the state. We cannot fall asleep on green transition. It is not just a commitment or a regulatory requirement; it’s a cost-saving model that helps businesses thrive.”
Themed ‘Sustainability in SME Businesses’, the forum gathered public and private sector leaders to share ideas on how Lagos SMEs can drive climate action.
Wahab highlighted how Lagos’ ban on single-use plastics has forced innovation in recycling and alternative materials, freeing up drainages and cutting pollution.
“Plastic has been a menace all over the world. Now there’s a value chain in recycling and people make money from plastic,” he said, urging SMEs to view sustainability as an advantage rather than a burden.
