Dangote Group Champions Lagos Coastal Restoration, Donates 10,000 Mangroves

 Dangote Group Champions Lagos Coastal Restoration, Donates 10,000 Mangroves

The Dangote Group has been commended for its leadership in environmental sustainability following its major role at the E1GP Lagos Mangrove Restoration Programme, held at the Eko Park Mangrove Sanctuary in Lagos.

The initiative, which attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, corporate sponsors, and international partners, was aimed at tackling climate change and restoring Lagos’ depleting mangrove ecosystem.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the E1GP Lagos Programme, Mr. Sam Egube, described coastal restoration as a collective responsibility.

“This coastal restoration will restore communities. Mangroves represent a natural fightback, a nature-based solution to climate change. Together, we can create a Lagos that is greener, stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the challenges ahead,” Egube said.

Mangroves, often referred to as the “lungs of the earth,” were highlighted as critical natural carbon sinks, shoreline protectors, and biodiversity habitats. Experts at the event lamented the extensive depletion of mangroves in Nigeria and stressed that the creation of the Eko Park Mangrove Sanctuary — spanning four acres — represents a vital step toward conservation, research, and ecological restoration.

The Dangote Group’s contribution was one of the event’s highlights, as the company endowed the sanctuary with 10,000 mangroves. Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr. James Adenuga said:

“This is a very symbolic, community-driven initiative. We are glad to be part of it because it is happening just a stone’s throw from our refinery and fertilizer plant. We hope other organizations will follow this example.”

Traditional leaders, including the Baale of the host community, praised the initiative, describing mangroves as lifelines that provide food, medicine, and coastal protection for generations.

Guests also toured facilities at the sanctuary, including the African Mangrove Museum and the Plank Walkway, a three-kilometre stretch reminiscent of the Lekki Conservation Centre. The sanctuary is scheduled to open officially to the public in December 2025.

The event also marked the launch of the world’s first Electric Boat Race, which Lagos will host under the E1GP programme, as well as the unveiling of the upcoming Africa Blue Economy Summit, positioning Lagos as a hub for sustainable development and marine innovation.

The programme climaxed with a symbolic mangrove planting exercise, during which participants adopted and tagged trees for future monitoring.

Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that while several organisations are driving mangrove conservation, the Dangote Group’s leadership sets a benchmark in corporate responsibility. By investing in nature-based climate solutions and restoration projects close to its refinery, the Group has reinforced the message that environmental protection is not the duty of government alone but a shared commitment to the future of Lagos and Africa.