Francesca Odimgbe
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, has announced plans to further scale up the deployment of groyne technology, a proven coastal defense system along the State’s vulnerable shoreline.
The Commissioner made this known today during the Ministerial Press Briefing at the State Secretariat, Alausa where he revealed to journalists 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.
According to Alebiosu, a groyne is a rigid hydraulic structure built from an ocean shore or riverbank that interrupts water flow and limits the movement of sediment. The technology has been effectively used to arrest coastal erosion and stabilize beaches in several parts of the world, including the Netherlands.
His words: “Though Lagos State has already begun implementing this technology, the sheer scale of the challenge to stretch the usage along the 180km stretch of shoreline presents a significant financial burden. It costs a huge amount to construct a single groyne, and with a targeted 180km 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.