Lagos State has launched Nigeria’s first comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Registry, becoming the first state in the country to establish a centralized system for tracking greenhouse gas emissions as part of efforts to strengthen climate action and support sustainable development. State officials said the registry will provide reliable emissions data to guide environmental policies, monitor progress and help reduce the state’s carbon footprint.
The registry is designed to collect, verify and manage information on emissions generated across key sectors, including transportation, energy, waste management, manufacturing and industry. Officials said the initiative will improve transparency, enable evidence-based decision-making and help the state measure the effectiveness of climate policies aimed at reducing emissions. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the atmosphere and are widely recognized as the primary drivers of global climate change.
The launch marks a significant step in Lagos’ broader environmental strategy as the state faces increasing climate-related challenges, including coastal flooding, rising sea levels, extreme rainfall and heat waves. With an estimated population of more than 20 million people and one of Africa’s largest urban economies, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, making accurate emissions data increasingly important for long-term planning and disaster preparedness.
The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the international treaty that seeks to limit global warming through emissions reductions and climate resilience. By establishing a standardized emissions registry, Lagos aims to support national climate reporting while positioning itself to attract international climate finance, technical partnerships and investment in clean energy and low-carbon infrastructure. Climate experts say accurate emissions inventories are essential for governments seeking to develop credible strategies for reducing pollution and achieving net-zero emissions.
Environmental organizations and climate policy specialists have welcomed the move, describing it as an important milestone for subnational climate governance in Nigeria. They say the registry could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen environmental accountability and improve climate reporting. Business groups have also noted that clearer emissions data may help companies prepare for evolving global sustainability standards and carbon reporting requirements, particularly for firms engaged in international trade.
