The Lagos State Government has called for strategic partnerships with the federal government and private sector to tackle the worsening threat of coastal erosion along the state’s 180-kilometre shoreline.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development Ekundayo Alebiosu made the appeal during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Alebiosu disclosed that the State Government is scaling up its deployment of groyne technology, a proven coastal defence system—in its battle to curb the impact of ocean surges and shoreline degradation.
He noted that while some progress had been made, the scope of the challenge remained daunting.
“Though Lagos has already begun implementing this technology, the scale of the intervention required along the full 180km coastal stretch is enormous.
“The projected cost exceeds N3 trillion, making it clear that strategic collaboration is essential,” he said.
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The Commissioner recently led a delegation, including the Permanent Secretary, Lolade Aina, on a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to study international best practices and explore partnership opportunities in sustainable coastal management.
He described the Netherlands — renowned for its advanced coastal engineering solutions, as a valuable case study, citing the Dutch model of combining groynes, sand nourishment, and nature-based methods as a viable template for adaptation in Lagos.
“Coastal erosion is not just a Lagos problem; it’s a national environmental and economic challenge. To safeguard our shoreline and protect coastal communities, we must embrace robust partnerships with federal institutions and private investors,” he said.
Alebiosu stressed that the Sanwo-Olu administration is actively pursuing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to fund and execute large-scale coastal protection infrastructure.
“This initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda to protect lives and property and to unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ vast waterfronts. Delays are not an option, entire communities are at risk,” he warned.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with international partners, federal agencies, and investors to deliver long-term, climate-resilient solutions that will preserve the state’s waterfronts for future generations.
