LAGOS GOVT, NCF RALLY RESIDENTS FOR URGENT CLIMATE ACTION AS 20TH WALK FOR NATURE HOLDS SATURDAY
The Lagos State Government is set to lead thousands of residents in a major call for climate action as it hosts the 20th edition of its annual Walk for Nature exercise on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The walk is organised by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, and Chevron Nigeria Limited.
This year's anniversary edition is themed "Inspired for Climate Action" and will hold at the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo. Participants are expected to gather at Makanjuola Hall as early as 7:00 a.m. for the walk.
Addressing journalists at a press conference ahead of the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the 20th edition is more than a walk. He said it is a renewed push to move Lagosians from awareness to real action to protect the environment.
According to him, the Walk for Nature has become a flagship advocacy programme of the state government and NCF in the last 20 years. It has brought together government agencies, companies, students, communities and environmental groups to speak about threats to nature such as loss of wildlife and biodiversity, pollution, plastic waste, land degradation, desertification and drought.
Wahab said this year's edition will put climate action at the centre.
He noted that Lagos, as a coastal megacity, is already feeling the pressure of climate change - rising heat, heavy rainfall, constant flooding, sea level rise and loss of natural ecosystems. He said this is why government, businesses and residents must work together.
In his words, "Lagos understands the urgency of climate action because our people experience environmental change daily. The government has a responsibility to strengthen resilience and improve environmental management, but the government cannot do it alone. Citizens must also take responsibility for how they use and protect the environment."
The Commissioner urged residents to make environmental responsibility a daily habit. He listed simple actions that can make a difference - reducing waste, cutting down on plastic use, stopping illegal dumping of refuse in drains, canals and wetlands, planting trees and protecting natural habitats.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja, said the time to act is now.
"Climate change is no longer a conversation about the future. Nigerians are already experiencing its impacts through flooding, heat, displacement, food insecurity and growing pressure on livelihoods. The 20th Walk for Nature is therefore a call to move from awareness to action," Onoja said.
He added that forests, wetlands, mangroves and other ecosystems are natural defences against climate change. "When we protect nature, we are also protecting our communities, our economy and our future," he said.
Organisers said this year's walk will have special programmes focused on young people, to build environmental consciousness and make them champions of climate action.
There will also be a waste-bin donation exercise to encourage proper waste disposal and show the link between waste management and climate resilience.
The state government, NCF and Chevron have called on residents, students, corporate organisations, civil society groups and all lovers of the environment to turn out in large numbers for the landmark walk.
They stressed that the Walk for Nature is not just an anniversary celebration, but a renewed commitment to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems and build a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient Lagos.
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