As part of proactive measures to address the growing threat of coastal erosion in Lagos State, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, announced plans to further scale up the deployment of groyne technology (a low wall or sturdy barrier built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting), a proven coastal defense system along the state’s vulnerable shoreline.
The Commissioner made this known at the Ministerial Press Briefing at Ikeja. He said that he embarked on a strategic working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he led a high-level delegation, including the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lolade Aina, to explore international best practices and forge partnerships for sustainable coastal management.
He said the groyne technology has been effectively used to arrest coastal erosion and stabilise beaches in several parts of the world, including the Netherlands.
He said: “Though Lagos State has already begun implementing this technology, the sheer scale of the challenge to stretch the usage along the 180kilo kilometre stretch of shoreline presents a significant financial burden. It costs a huge amount to construct a single groyne, and with a targeted 180 kilometre coastal stretch, the projected cost exceeds N3 trillion, a figure that makes it clear that strategic collaboration is required.
“This is not just a Lagos problem; it is a national environmental and economic challenge. If we are serious about preserving our shoreline, preventing further erosion, and protecting coastal communities, then a robust partnership with the Federal Government and the private sector is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary.”
The Commissioner described the Netherlands, renowned for its pioneering coastal engineering solutions, as a perfect case study for the State Government delegation. The Dutch model, which integrates groynes, sand nourishment, and nature-based solutions, provided insights into how sustainable and economically viable approaches can be adapted to suit local conditions in Lagos.
He emphasised that the Lagos State government is actively pursuing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to finance and implement large-scale groyne deployment and coastal protection infrastructure.
“This initiative also aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader agenda to secure lives, protect public and private assets, and unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ vast waterfronts.
“We cannot afford to delay. Entire communities are at risk, and if left unchecked, the consequences of coastal erosion could be devastating, not only to the environment but also to livelihoods and investments across our coastal zones,” he said.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners, federal agencies, and private investors to deliver long-term, climate-resilient solutions that will preserve the waterfronts for Lagosians.
In a related development, a decade -long land dispute in Okun-Ajah, Mayegun communities has been resolved by the government.
Alebiosu, revealed that the dispute, which had threatened the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of residents numbering up to 200 allottees within state government schemes has been resolved leading to the regularisation process that spared over 200 allottees from eviction and property loss.
“What we have achieved here is a testament to Mr. Governor’s belief that governance must prioritize people, their dignity, their security, and their future. Rather than demolish homes and uproot lives, we brought stakeholders to a roundtable and crafted a legal pathway for regularising occupancy.”
The Commissioner explained that many of the affected individuals had unknowingly encroached on government land, creating a protracted conflict over ownership. Instead of resorting to mass demolitions, the State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, implemented an accommodation strategy that allowed the settlers to regularise their land documents and remain legally on the property.
Alebiosu noted that the allottees were not only relieved, but deeply appreciative of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s thoughtful and compassionate leadership, one that averted the potential displacement of families, destruction of businesses, and severe impact on livelihoods and well-being.
