The Lagos State Government has announced that it requires more than N3 trillion to effectively combat the growing threat of coastal erosion along its extensive 180-kilometer shoreline.

This disclosure was made by Mr. Ekundayo Alebiosu, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, during a ministerial press briefing held on Monday at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Alebiosu, the state government is intensifying efforts to deploy groyne technology, a proven coastal defence system designed to halt shoreline erosion. He explained that groynes are solid hydraulic structures constructed perpendicular to coastlines that work by disrupting wave energy and controlling sediment displacement.

"Constructing a single groyne is highly expensive, and extending this across the 180 km coastal stretch is projected to cost over N3 trillion," Alebiosu stated during the briefing.

The Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for partnerships with the Federal Government and private sector investors, noting that coastal protection is not merely an environmental concern but a national economic priority.

Learning from Global Best Practices

In a bid to adopt international best practices, Alebiosu recently led a high-level Lagos delegation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands to study the Dutch model of coastal management. He praised the Netherlands' integrated approach, which combines groynes, sand nourishment, and nature-based solutions, describing it as a comprehensive template that Lagos hopes to implement.

"This initiative aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu's broader agenda to secure lives, protect assets, and unlock the economic potential of Lagos' waterfronts," the Commissioner explained.

Public-Private Partnership Framework

The state government is actively developing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to finance the large-scale deployment of groynes and other coastal protection measures. This approach is expected to help bridge the significant funding gap required for the ambitious project.

Alebiosu warned of the severe consequences if coastal erosion is left unchecked, highlighting potential impacts on communities, investments, and the environment across Lagos State's vulnerable shoreline areas.

The Commissioner's announcement comes as part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to address environmental challenges while pursuing sustainable development goals in Africa's largest megacity.