Case study: The challenges of climate change for Lagos, Nigeria

•Lagos is faced with challenges of climate change.•Reality of climate change is stimulating government responses.•Government responses being integrated into physical planning.•Evidence of misplacement of opportunities, incentives and responses abound.•Climate change policy and transformation agenda should be inclusive.

This case study paper considers some of the main climate change challenges for Lagos. Emerging adaptation and mitigation responses are considered in the context of Lagos urbanization trends, as well as development and transformation agendas. Insights are based on a synthesis of key literature, technical reports and policy documents. The paper reports that although Lagos authorities have started to respond to the stresses and risks from climate change, these efforts are haphazard, largely top-down, uncoordinated and fragmented. To be sustainable, there is an urgent need to rally political will, recognize local action through popular participation, identify and build capacities, and institutionalize adaptation frameworks in all agencies and planning levels.