By Amb. Canon Otto — Convener, Global Sustainability Summit & Founder, CleanCyclers
Lagos is a city of dreams — a pulsating hub of creativity, ambition, and innovation. But it is also a city struggling under the weight of its own growth: traffic congestion, unmanaged waste, flooding, and carbon-heavy living patterns. Yet, despite these challenges, one truth remains clear:
Lagos has the potential to become Africa’s model green city.
At CleanCyclers, and through the storytelling lane of SustainabilityUnscripted, we consistently advocate for a future where African cities don’t just adapt to sustainability — they lead it. And Lagos, with its unique energy and resourcefulness, can be the city that sets the pace.
Today, I invite you to imagine with me what a truly sustainable Lagos could look like.
Clean Streets and Circular Waste Systems
Imagine a Lagos where every street — from Yaba to Ikorodu, Lekki to Alimosho — is clean, organized, and supported by a strong circular waste management system.
No more heaps of refuse blocking drainage.
No more clogged canals.
No more plastic bottles littering gutters after rainfall.
Through the CleanCyclers model, Lagos could transform waste from a burden into an economic opportunity. With accessible collection hubs, incentivized recycling, community buy-back centers, and proper e-waste management, Lagos could become a circular economy powerhouse.
This future is possible.
It simply requires intentional systems and collective consciousness.
Renewable Transportation & Low-Emission Mobility
Picture public buses powered by electricity instead of diesel, reducing air pollution and noise across major roads.
Imagine bicycle lanes stretching through Victoria Island, Ikeja, Lekki, and Surulere — encouraging safer, non-motorized commuting.
Imagine a Lagos where ride-sharing options prioritize energy-efficient vehicles, and water transport is redesigned to minimize emissions.
In cities like Amsterdam and Kigali, this vision is already real.
Lagos can achieve it too, with the right policy shifts and public participation.
Energy-Smart Buildings & Renewable Architecture
Now imagine entering a typical Lagos office or home and seeing:
- Rooftop solar panels
- Smart lighting systems
- Rainwater harvesting
- Natural cooling architecture
- Efficient energy storage solutions
With Lagos’ abundant sunlight, renewable energy can become the primary power source — reducing dependence on diesel generators and lowering energy costs.
CleanCyclers frequently highlights this through our engagements at SustainabilityUnscripted:
Innovation must be local, affordable, and accessible.
Urban Gardens, Green Roofs & Community Agriculture
In the Green Lagos we envision, urban agriculture becomes part of daily life.
Rooftop gardens.
Vertical farms.
Community green spaces in schools, estates, and marketplaces.
This would reduce food insecurity, lower household expenses, and cool the city — especially during heatwaves.
Urban greenery is not a luxury.
It is a necessity for climate resilience.
Sustainable Businesses and Ethical Markets
A sustainable Lagos is a city where businesses thrive because they adopt green practices.
Imagine:
- Restaurants eliminating single-use plastics
- Markets using biodegradable packaging
- Fashion houses leading in upcycling and textile recycling
- Tech hubs adopting e-waste recovery programs with CleanCyclers
- Manufacturing industries reducing emissions through innovation
Sustainable business models are not just good for the planet — they are profitable and future-proof.
People-Centered City Design
A sustainable Lagos puts people before cars:
- Walkable districts
- Shaded pedestrian corridors
- Accessible public spaces
- Safe cycling pathways
- Smart mobility stations
When people feel comfortable walking, the entire city breathes better.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
In a coastal megacity like Lagos, climate resilience is non-negotiable.
Our future city must feature:
- Flood-resistant drainage systems
- Elevated walkways in flood-prone areas
- Strong shoreline protection
- Early warning climate technology
- Smart water management systems
These are the foundations of a city prepared for the realities of climate change.
A Canon Otto Reflection: “The Africa We Can Build”
During the last Global Sustainability Summit, I said something that resonates deeply with this vision:
“Africa will rise into the future we imagine — if we are bold enough to reimagine our cities through sustainability.”
— Amb. Canon Otto
The Lagos we dream of is not far away.
The tools exist.
The solutions exist.
The people are ready.
What we need now is a united commitment — from government, private sector, communities, and everyday citizens. CleanCyclers will continue to lead in circular economy innovation, while SustainabilityUnscripted will keep telling the stories that inspire action.
Lagos can become Africa’s first great green city — and a symbol of what is possible when vision meets determination.
This is the Africa we can build.
