The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to explore international collaboration opportunities with the German Government as part of its drive to advance environmental sustainability and innovation.
Speaking during the West African Clean Energy and Environment Exhibition (WACEE) 2026 held in Lagos, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, revealed that the state is actively engaging development partners to strengthen its environmental initiatives and attract investment into key sectors.
He noted that discussions with the German Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull, focused on potential areas of cooperation, including clean energy, waste management, and climate resilience strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
Furthermore, the Commissioner emphasized that Oyo State remains committed to leveraging global best practices and technical expertise through strategic partnerships that will support sustainable development goals and foster economic growth.
He added that the engagement at WACEE 2026 underscores the state government’s readiness to collaborate with international stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges while positioning Oyo State as a hub for green investment in Nigeria.
Speaking as one of the WASH panelists during the session, the commissioner pointed to inadequate infrastructure as a key constraint, explaining that access to clean water, effective sewage systems, and proper sanitation services depends largely on the availability of essential facilities.
Additional challenges such as poor maintenance culture, rapid urbanization, and low public awareness, particularly in densely populated areas, according to him, require a coordinated and sustained response.
To address these issues, he called for increased government investment, strengthened public-private partnerships, and improved policy implementation and monitoring. He also emphasized the need for continuous public sensitization to encourage behavioural change and ensure sustainability.
In his response, the German Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull, highlighted several German institutions through which Oyo State could access support, including KfW and DEG, German development finance institutions focused on infrastructure and economic development.
Other members of the Oyo State delegation included the Special Adviser on Intervention and Donor Funds, Mrs. Aderonke Adedayo, the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Lamidi Kazeem Ajibola, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, and other management staff of the ministry.
