Environmental engineers, academics and policymakers have called for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing threats posed by rapid urbanisation and climate change.
They warned that without proactive measures, Nigeria’s cities could become increasingly vulnerable to flooding, pollution, environmental degradation and infrastructure failures, with serious consequences for public health, economic growth and sustainable development, reports The Nation.
The call was made during the 2026 World Environment Day Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum, Dinner and Students’ Presentation organised by the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) under the theme, “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.”
Speaking at the event, the National President of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Engr. Caius Ikem Umekesiobi, stressed that the challenges facing Nigerian cities require practical engineering solutions rather than policy discussions alone.
According to him, Nigeria’s urban population continues to grow rapidly, with projections indicating that urbanisation could reach 60 per cent by 2035, while Lagos alone continues to experience significant population growth.
He expressed concern that despite the increasing population pressure, many Nigerian cities remain vulnerable to recurrent flooding, poor waste management and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
“Climate change is multiplying existing environmental challenges. Policies and master plans are important, but engineers are the ones who design drainage systems, landfills and sewage treatment plants that protect communities from environmental disasters,” he said.
Umekesiobi urged governments at all levels to work closely with environmental engineers in developing climate adaptation measures and resilient urban infrastructure.
He also advocated the establishment of national environmental engineering practice guidelines to ensure that infrastructure projects are designed to withstand future climate realities.
According to him, Nigeria cannot continue to rely on outdated standards while facing increasingly severe environmental threats.
The NIEE president further proposed the deployment of young engineers, students and National Youth Service Corps members to install low-cost air and water quality monitoring sensors across cities to generate environmental data that can support planning and policy implementation.
He called on government agencies, development partners and private-sector organisations to support such initiatives through funding and technical partnerships.
“We do not want to remain commentators on environmental issues. We want to be providers of solutions. Climate change requires engineering solutions and NIEE members are ready to deliver them,” he stated.
Earlier, Chairman of the NIEE Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Azeez Agoro, said the theme of this year’s World Environment Day underscores the urgent need for collective action to secure a sustainable future for present and future generations.
Agoro noted that Lagos, as one of Africa’s largest urban centres, faces increasing environmental pressures arising from rapid population growth, coastal erosion, flooding and waste management challenges.
He cited several flooding incidents across parts of Lagos, including the Ikorodu-Ejede axis and the Lekki, Ikoyi and Ajah corridors, saying many of the disasters were worsened by indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked drainage channels.
According to him, the cumulative effect of poor environmental practices by residents continues to undermine government efforts to manage flooding and other climate-related risks.
“The government is doing its best, but every resident has a role to play. Environmental protection begins at home. We must adopt responsible environmental practices and support government initiatives aimed at safeguarding our communities,” he said.
Agoro further challenged environmental engineers to intensify public awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes and community engagement initiatives to drive behavioural change and improve environmental stewardship.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Engr. Sheriff Lamidi, described climate change as not only an environmental issue but also an urban development emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Lamidi warned that projections indicating Nigeria’s population could exceed 400 million by 2050 would place enormous pressure on existing infrastructure if adequate planning measures are not implemented.
He criticised the country’s tendency to adopt reactive rather than proactive approaches to environmental management.
“We cannot continue to wait for disasters before taking action. Building resilient cities requires planning, design, management and deliberate action. Sustainability does not happen by chance,” he said.
The academic advocated the development of climate resilience master plans for cities, long-term urban planning frameworks and stronger integration of climate adaptation measures into infrastructure development.
He also called for reforms in engineering education curricula to include emerging technologies such as smart and self-sensing materials capable of adapting to environmental changes.
Lamidi urged professional bodies, universities and regulatory agencies to collaborate more closely in developing practical solutions to environmental challenges.
He further highlighted the economic opportunities in waste-to-wealth initiatives, citing ongoing research into the conversion of agricultural waste into industrial products as evidence of the potential for sustainable innovation.
According to him, greater investment in recycling, renewable energy and green infrastructure would not only strengthen environmental resilience but also create jobs and reduce dependence on imported products.
The environmental expert also advocated stronger engagement of students and young people through advocacy programmes, environmental clubs and campus-based initiatives to build a new generation of sustainability champions.
He stressed that sustainable and resilient cities would only emerge through collaboration among governments, professional bodies, academia, the private sector and local communities.
“Sustainable cities are not accidental. They are intentional. If we want resilient cities and a sustainable future, we must plan for them and act now,” Lamidi said.
The forum brought together environmental professionals, academics, government representatives, students and other stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for addressing climate change, improving urban resilience and promoting sustainable development across Nigerian cities.
