Lagos to host Maiden Waterfront Summit amid rising coastal threats

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development is ramping up preparations for the Maiden Lagos State Waterfront Summit, scheduled for Thursday, 11th September 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The summit aims to address urgent challenges affecting the state’s lagoon and waterfronts.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Commissioner Dayo Bush Alebiosu highlighted the summit’s theme, “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience”, which seeks to stimulate discussions on sustainable solutions for the growing pressures on Lagos’ waterways.

Alebiosu revealed that coastal erosion has already displaced families and destroyed livelihoods in communities such as Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki. He noted that similar challenges affect other West African coastal areas, including Keta Municipality in Ghana.

“Coastal erosion is a regional problem with global implications. Lagos must take urgent steps to safeguard its communities, infrastructure, and economy,” Alebiosu stated. The state has partnered with the Netherlands, known for its coastal management expertise, to explore lasting solutions.

The Commissioner raised concerns over illegal dredging, disclosing that about 10,625 cubic meters of sand are dredged daily in Lagos. He warned that uncontrolled activities could destabilize ecosystems, damage aquatic habitats, and threaten waterfront settlements. A comprehensive survey is underway to identify over-dredged and under-dredged areas, with Ibeshe already flagged as heavily affected.

Beyond addressing threats, Alebiosu emphasized the lagoon’s economic potential. Properly managed, it could serve as a hub for transportation, tourism, fisheries, and trade, generating jobs and boosting livelihoods for Lagosians.

“The lagoon is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our economy, and our future. This summit is a call to action for Lagosians, experts, and stakeholders, to work together in protecting it before it is too late,” Alebiosu declared.

He concluded by reaffirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to preserving the state’s waterfronts, noting that the summit would mark a turning point in Lagos’ approach to sustainable lagoon and waterfront management.