Concerns over the growing threat of flooding in Lagos dominated discussions at the 2026 international conference of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM), as environmentalists called for urgent action to protect wetlands and mangroves from destruction.
Environmental advocate Desmond Majekodunmi warned that rising sea levels, global warming and the continued conversion of wetlands for construction were exposing parts of Lagos to the danger of severe flooding.
Speaking at the conference held on Tuesday at the University of Lagos, Majekodunmi urged the Lagos State Government to strengthen environmental protection measures and stop indiscriminate sand-filling of wetlands.
He explained that wetlands and mangroves serve as natural buffers by absorbing excess water during periods of heavy rainfall. Their destruction, he warned, removes an important layer of protection for communities already vulnerable to flooding.
Majekodunmi attributed rising sea levels to the expansion of ocean water as temperatures increase and the melting of major ice caps. He also criticised development practices that prioritise commercial interests over the preservation of ecosystems.
His warning formed part of wider discussions at the conference on the need to combine scientific research, public awareness and stronger environmental policies to address ecological challenges.
The event also highlighted the role of young people in shaping environmental consciousness, with six secondary school students in Lagos receiving cash prizes in the 2026 Green Essay Competition organised by SETPOM.
In the junior secondary category, Oyenike Adeyemi of Methodist Girls’ High School emerged first, winning ₦100,000. Faridah Moshood of Daltha Heights School took second place with ₦70,000, while Fathia Zubair of Nurul-Islam Comprehensive High School received ₦50,000 for finishing third.
Atoyebi Halimat of Dowen College, Lekki, won the senior secondary category and received ₦100,000. Adewunmi Princess of Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba, came second with ₦70,000, while Kamal Adabale of Crescent High School, Victoria Island, placed third and received ₦50,000.
Other participants were Ibraheem Olaniyan of Daltha High School, Oluwadarasimi Esan of Dowen College, Adeyemo Jedidiah of Methodist Girls’ High School and Odemwingie Agidigbi of YCT Secondary School.
SETPOM President, Dr Idowu Aneyo, said the competition was part of efforts to bring environmental issues closer to younger generations and encourage them to contribute to conversations about sustainability.
She stressed that environmental research should produce solutions that improve lives and influence policy rather than remain limited to academic publications.
The Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Lagos, Professor Ganiyu Oyetibo, warned that environmental insecurity could also affect social and economic stability, particularly as competition for scarce resources such as water intensifies.
He called for stronger environmental governance and greater use of scientific research in addressing ecological problems. He also identified artificial intelligence and other technological innovations as useful tools for environmental monitoring, extreme weather prediction and precision agriculture.
However, he cautioned that technology must operate alongside effective regulation and evidence-based policies.
The Head of the Department of Zoology at UNILAG, Professor Kehinde Kemabonta, urged Nigerians to adopt everyday practices that support ecosystem protection, including keeping their surroundings clean and planting trees.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Bibiana Nwosa, said the conference was designed to encourage fresh perspectives and strengthen collaboration towards environmental sustainability.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 SETPOM Fellow Award to Dr Funmilayo Doherty, Director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management at Yaba College of Technology. She was recognised for her contributions to environmental skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
Doherty reaffirmed her commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and expanding opportunities for skills development.
The conference reinforced the need for environmental protection to extend beyond academic discussions, with stronger policies, public participation and early education seen as essential to building more resilient communities.
