In a bold move to protect its 180km coastline from escalating coastal erosion, the Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to raise over N3 trillion through strategic public-private partnerships.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
A Costly but Crucial Intervention
Alebiosu revealed that while the state has already deployed groynes—shoreline structures designed to mitigate erosion—extending this technology along the entire coastline poses significant financial challenges.
“The cost of constructing a single groyne is substantial. Expanding this across 180 kilometers would require over N3 trillion. It’s a financial scale far beyond the state’s current capacity, underscoring the urgent need for collaboration,” he explained.
Seeking Global Solutions
To advance the initiative, Alebiosu recently led a delegation, including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lolade Aina, to the Kingdom of the Netherlands—a global leader in coastal management. The visit aimed to explore sustainable models and attract international partnerships.
“The Netherlands provides a powerful example of how groynes, sand nourishment, and nature-based solutions can work together. We are studying how to adapt these methods to Lagos’ unique coastal environment,” he said.
A National Environmental Concern
Alebiosu emphasized that the threat of coastal erosion extends beyond Lagos, calling it a national environmental and economic emergency.
“This is not just Lagos’ fight. It’s a national challenge that demands unified action from the Federal Government, the private sector, and international stakeholders,” he stated.
Aligning with Sanwo-Olu’s Vision
The Commissioner tied the project to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader development agenda, highlighting its potential to safeguard lives, protect assets, and unlock economic opportunities along the state’s waterfronts.
“Delaying action is not an option. Coastal erosion threatens entire communities, livelihoods, and long-term investments. We are committed to delivering resilient, future-proof solutions,” he affirmed.
A Call for Strategic Partnerships
Reiterating Lagos State’s commitment to climate resilience, Alebiosu called for an all-hands-on-deck approach—uniting public and private actors locally and internationally.
“Our vision is to preserve Lagos’ waterfronts not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Credit: Nairametrics
Discover more from Ayobami Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
