Lagos, January 27^th, 2025.

The Lagos State Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth by hosting the inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Workshop for Circular Businesses. This milestone event aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s bold vision for a Net Zero Lagos by 2050, demonstrating OCCE’s proactive approach to equipping businesses with the tools needed to drive sustainable development.

The workshop, held in Lagos, convened over 200 businesses from the ECOnomy Business Network (EBN)—a dynamic coalition of more than 500 sustainability-driven enterprises—reflecting the state’s unwavering commitment to building a thriving, green economy.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, emphasized the need for businesses to integrate sustainability into their core operations. “A sustainable Lagos is a prosperous Lagos. ESG is no longer a corporate checkbox—it is the foundation for resilience, access to global investments, and economic prosperity. We are not just driving policy; we are building capacity to ensure businesses can thrive in a green economy.”

The workshop provided a platform for businesses to deepen their competencies across key areas such as finance, marketing, governance, and funding access, ensuring that Lagos remains a competitive and investment-ready hub for sustainability-led enterprises. Key sessions included:

• Green Financing Opportunities – Access Bank provided insights on funding pathways for ESG-compliant businesses.
• Social Enterprise Cooperatives – A deep dive into leveraging cooperative models for financial resilience.
• Building a Bankable Business Plan – Practical guidance on integrating sustainability into financial strategy.

Highlighting the Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustainable economic planning, Mr. Lekan Balogun, Special Adviser on Economic Planning and Budget, introduced the state’s Green Budgeting Initiative, reinforcing that ESG principles are not only encouraged but are now embedded into the government’s financial policies. “Every Naira spent in Lagos will contribute to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy,” he stated.

Lagos’ ECOnomy Business Network (EBN), established in May 2024, has rapidly grown into a critical driver of circular economy innovation, supporting enterprises that transform waste into wealth, advance clean energy, and integrate social impact into business models.

Mr. Balogun commended the network as a game-changer in achieving Lagos’ sustainability targets. “These businesses are proving that environmental responsibility and economic growth go hand in hand. The work they do today will define Lagos’ sustainability success tomorrow.”

The success of the workshop was amplified by partnerships with Deloitte, Access Bank, GIZ, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and Fets, all of whom provided valuable expertise and resources.

Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the impact of the workshop, with one participant noting: “This ESG workshop was a game-changer. The discussions on data-driven carbon footprint tracking, cooperative financing, and renewable energy investments were eye-opening. I am excited to implement these insights and can’t wait for the next edition.”

Lagos as Africa’s Sustainability Leader

OCCE’s ESG workshop is not just a standalone event—it is part of a broader roadmap to embed sustainability into Lagos’ economic fabric. By equipping businesses with ESG knowledge and practical skills, the state is creating an ecosystem where businesses can attract green investments, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to Nigeria’s global climate commitments.

As OCCE continues to drive innovation and policy alignment, the message is clear: Sustainability is Lagos’ competitive edge. Businesses that embed ESG today will be the leaders of tomorrow.

For more information about the ESG workshop and the OCCE’s initiatives, visit [https://occelagos.org/] (https://www.youtube.com/live/0a3uQn3Z2Oc?si=Hhf_tc_0TNLxXqLm) or contact: 

Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy 

Email: info@occe-lagos.org 

Phone: +234 809 517 8711