The Lagos State Government has launched a water-based public engagement initiative, “Library on the Lagoon,” as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and promote the state’s blue economy agenda.
The project was unveiled recently at the Five Cowries Creek Terminal by the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Tunde Ajayi, who represented the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Project Director, Maryam Kazeem, said the initiative redefines a traditional library as an interactive, water-based learning platform designed to deepen public engagement with Lagos waterways.
She explained that the project functions as a social research platform, encouraging participants to reflect on the lagoon’s history, current environmental condition and future through guided activities conducted directly on the water.
“The idea is to create a shared experience where people engage critically with the lagoon and their relationship to it,” Kazeem said.
She added that the initiative also addresses pollution challenges affecting the lagoon, including plastic waste, through creative tools such as a prototype trash collection system designed to stimulate dialogue and environmental action.
Ajayi said LASEPA partnered on the project to expand environmental advocacy through creative engagement, noting that the agency continues to monitor pollution levels and water quality across Lagos waterways.
“Encouraging public interaction and discussion around cleaning the lagoon is a simple but effective advocacy tool,” he said, expressing optimism that the initiative would contribute to reducing plastic pollution.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Damilola Emmanuel, described the project as an example of collaborative governance involving government, private sector and civil society.
He said the state would support efforts to expand the initiative beyond its current location to reach more communities across Lagos’ extensive waterways.
The project, which runs from April 26 to May 2, 2026, is a collaboration between LASEPA, Iranti Press and A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen environmental awareness, promote sustainable interaction with water bodies and support Lagos State’s broader climate action and blue economy strategy.
