The Lagos State Government on Monday disclosed that it requires over N3 trillion to address the threat of erosion and protect coastal communities across the state.
The State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, made this known during the ongoing ministerial press briefing commemorating the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, held in Alausa, Ikeja.
Alebiosu, who recounted his recent strategic working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands—where he led a high-level delegation including the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Lolade Aina—said the trip aimed to explore international best practices and forge partnerships for sustainable coastal management. He also announced plans to scale up the deployment of groyne technology.
According to him, a groyne is a rigid hydraulic structure built from an ocean shore or riverbank to interrupt water flow and limit sediment movement. He described it as a proven coastal defence system effective along Lagos State’s vulnerable shoreline and a proactive measure to tackle the growing erosion challenges.
The commissioner noted that the technology has been successfully deployed to combat coastal erosion and stabilise beaches in various parts of the world, including the Netherlands.
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“Though Lagos State has already begun implementing this technology, the sheer scale of deploying it along the state’s 180-kilometre shoreline presents a significant financial challenge,” he said.
“It costs a substantial amount to construct a single groyne, and with a targeted 180km stretch, the projected cost exceeds N3 trillion—making it evident that strategic collaboration is essential.
“This is not merely 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.”
Alebiosu described the Netherlands—renowned for its pioneering coastal engineering solutions—as a model example for the Lagos State Government. He noted that the Dutch approach, which integrates groynes, sand nourishment, and nature-based solutions, offers valuable insights into how sustainable and economically viable strategies could be adapted to suit Lagos’s local conditions.
He, however, emphasised that the Lagos State Government is actively pursuing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to fund and implement the large-scale deployment of groynes and other coastal protection infrastructure.
“This initiative also aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda to safeguard lives, protect public and private assets, and unlock the economic potential of Lagos’s expansive waterfronts.
“We cannot afford to delay. Entire communities are at risk, and if left unaddressed, the consequences of coastal erosion could be devastating—not only to the environment but also to livelihoods and investments in our coastal zones,” he stated.
Alebiosu reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to working closely with international partners, Federal agencies, and private investors to deliver long-term, climate-resilient solutions aimed at preserving Lagos’s waterfronts for future generations.
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