CO2 emission: Can Lagos carbon registry achieve targets?

Lagos State in Nigeria has recently taken a significant step towards combating climate change with the launch of the Lagos Carbon Registry. The registry, aimed at documenting carbon emissions from various sources including industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, is poised to help the state track and manage its carbon footprint effectively. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, explained in an interview with CNBC Africa how this voluntary framework is set to pave the way for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2030. The Lagos Carbon Registry is designed to create a structured approach to carbon trading and emissions management. Organizations are encouraged to participate by documenting their carbon footprints and getting them audited by UN certified auditors. This initiative not only promotes local trading of emissions but also sets the stage for compliance-based regulations in the future. The goal is to provide organizations with a platform to showcase their commitment to reducing emissions and access financing for further sustainability efforts. Ajayi emphasized the importance of moving from verbal commitments to tangible actions in the fight against climate change. With the global focus on climate goals intensifying, Nigeria's position in the conversation becomes crucial. Ajayi stressed the need for local actions to complement global talks, pointing out that the lack of a structured framework for documenting emissions was a significant gap that the Lagos Carbon Registry aims to fill. By providing evidence-based data on emissions, the registry enables stakeholders to set targets, demonstrate progress, and access financing for green initiatives. The launch of the carbon registry has garnered interest from various sectors, including banking, oil and gas, and industries known for high carbon emissions. The registry offers these industries a standardized platform for reporting emissions, aligning with existing sustainability frameworks, and accessing green financing. By engaging with different sectors and advocating for voluntary participation, Lagos State aims to gradually transition the registry into a compliance-based system as the federal government prepares to scale up its climate regulations. Despite the progress made with the launch of the registry, challenges at the federal level remain a concern. Ajayi highlighted the complex nature of transitioning to a nationwide emissions management framework, emphasizing the need for federal regulations to trickle down to the state level. Lagos State, positioned as a pioneer in climate initiatives, aims to lead by example and set the stage for other states to adopt similar measures. As the state navigates the transition towards greener solutions, the success of the Lagos Carbon Registry could serve as a model for broader climate action in Nigeria. In conclusion, the launch of the Lagos Carbon Registry marks a significant milestone in Lagos State's commitment to combatting climate change. By establishing a platform for documenting emissions, promoting local trading, and incentivizing sustainability efforts, the state is taking proactive steps towards achieving its climate goals. With a clear roadmap for transitioning to compliance-based regulations and engaging with key industries, Lagos is poised to set a precedent for climate action in Nigeria and make meaningful contributions to the global fight against climate change.