By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to tackle coastal erosion through strategic partnerships and the deployment of advanced coastal defense systems. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, during a ministerial press briefing held at the State Secretariat, Alausa, on Monday.
Alebiosu revealed that Lagos is scaling up the use of groynes—rigid hydraulic structures designed to interrupt water flow and limit sediment movement—as a long-term solution to the erosion threatening the state’s 180km coastline.
“While we have already commenced the use of groyne technology, the enormity of deploying it across the full shoreline presents significant financial implications,” he said. “With each groyne costing a considerable sum, the total cost of the intervention is projected to exceed N3 trillion. This necessitates strong collaboration with the Federal Government and the private sector.”
To advance this agenda, Alebiosu recently led a high-level delegation to the Netherlands to explore best practices in coastal engineering. The visit, which included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Lolade Aina, focused on learning from the Dutch model—a globally recognized approach integrating groynes, sand nourishment, and nature-based solutions.
He emphasized the need for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to fund and execute the proposed large-scale coastal infrastructure. “This is more than a Lagos issue—it is a national challenge with serious environmental and economic implications,” he noted.
The Commissioner stressed that the initiative aligns with the broader development goals of the Sanwo-Olu administration, particularly in safeguarding lives, assets, and unlocking the economic value of Lagos’ waterfronts.
“The urgency cannot be overstated. If left unaddressed, coastal erosion poses a direct threat to communities, livelihoods, and investments,” he warned.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with international stakeholders, federal agencies, and private investors to deliver climate-resilient and sustainable shoreline protection for the benefit of all Lagosians.
