Water stewardship of the year; Energy efficiency initiative of the year: Lagos Free Zone
11 September, 2025
Lagos Free Zone – Nigeria's first private free trade zone and promoted by Singaporean conglomerate Tolaram – topped two categories in this year's Sustainable Company Awards.
On water stewardship, Lagos Free Zone was recognised for its sustainable water practices. Integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, it aims to address climate-driven risks like sea level rise and saltwater intrusion by elevating the 850-hectare site 4.5 metres above sea level and implementing robust drainage systems. It also practices rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling for horticulture use, and permeable roads to manage runoff, recharge groundwater, and minimise erosion.
Its energy efficiency initiatives focused on addressing critical infrastructure challenges through design emphasising energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and green innovation, such as solar-powered infrastructure, LED lighting system,s and high insulation building materials to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Judges praised its integration of climate-smart technology in a sustainable land use setting with the use of energy-efficient buildings, smart logistics, and sustainable drainage and water systems.
"Sustainability is clearly integrated through strategic planning, community engagement, development and operations," said one judge.
Another said: "What is noteworthy is that such a project is highly scalable and replicable, offering a framework for other regions facing similar environmental challenges."
