• Seeks federal collaboration to tackle N3tr shoreline challenge
The Lagos State government has successfully resolved a land dispute that persisted for over a decade in the Okun-Ajah and Mayegun communities of the state.

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, revealed that the dispute, which had threatened the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of residents within the state government’s schemes, was brought to a peaceful and lawful end through Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, the governor’s unwavering commitment to governance with a human face was the driving force behind a groundbreaking regularisation process that spared over 200 allottees from eviction and property loss.

He said: “What we have achieved here is a testament to Mr Governor’s belief that governance must prioritise people, their dignity, their security, and their future. Rather than demolish homes and uproot lives, we brought stakeholders to a roundtable and crafted a legal pathway for regularising occupancy.”

The commissioner explained that many affected individuals had unknowingly encroached on government land, creating a protracted conflict over ownership. Instead of resorting to mass demolitions, the state government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, implemented an accommodation strategy that allowed the settlers to regularise their land documents and remain legally on the property.

Alebiosu noted that the allottees were relieved and deeply appreciative of Sanwo-Olu’s thoughtful and compassionate leadership, which averted the potential displacement of families, destruction of businesses, and severe impacts on livelihoods and well-being.

The Guardian learnt that many beneficiaries who received their electronic survey copies could not hide their excitement and gratitude.

In a related development, the commissioner announced plans to scale up the deployment of groyne technology, a proven coastal defence system, along the state’s vulnerable shoreline.

He made this known yesterday during the Ministerial Press Briefing at the State Secretariat, Alausa, where he revealed that he had embarked on a strategic working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. During the visit, 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 to interrupt water flow and limit sediment movement.

The technology, he said, has been effectively used to arrest coastal erosion and stabilise beaches in several parts of the world, including the Netherlands.

He said, “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.”