“We Must Stop Reacting To Floods” – Lagos Comm Alebiosu Unveils New Waterfront Strategy

Lagos State Government has announced a shift towards a data-driven and preventive approach to flooding, dredging, waterfront reclamation and water transportation, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, has said.

The cabinet member famously known as “D’ Bush” said the government was moving away from reacting to flooding after it occurred to identifying why water accumulated in particular locations and addressing drainage and related problems before they became more severe.

“We must stop reacting to floods,” the commissioner said, stressing the need to understand the causes of water accumulation and tackle them through better planning and infrastructure.

He said the state was also compiling data on its waterways and sand deposits to guide decisions on dredging, reclamation and waterfront development.

According to the grassroots politician, indiscriminate sand mining had caused significant environmental damage in areas around the airport and along the Ibeju-Lekki/Epe axis, where extensive excavation had left large craters requiring costly restoration.

Alebiosu said dredging and sand-mining activities could also contribute to the deterioration of roads and other infrastructure, making it necessary to address the underlying causes rather than repeatedly spend public funds on repairs.

The friend of many said coordination had improved among the ministries responsible for waterfront infrastructure and the environment, as well as the Lands Bureau and Physical Planning authorities.

The commissioner also said the proposed Lagoon Authority and its supporting policy could receive renewed attention following the Supreme Court judgment clarifying aspects of state and federal responsibilities over waterways.

On waterfront reclamation, Alebiosu said some approved projects had remained dormant for years, adding that the government was encouraging their implementation while insisting on appropriate environmental and safety assessments, particularly for projects around bridges and other sensitive locations.

The face local politics in Kosofe axis of Lagos state stressed the importance of documenting approvals and major decisions to ensure that future administrations could understand the basis on which projects were undertaken.

On water transportation, ‘D-Bush” revealed that Lagos planned to expand the network through investment in jetties and related infrastructure, with the objective of easing pressure on roads and reducing transportation costs.

He added that waterways should be used not only for passenger movement but also for transporting goods, particularly where new jetties were located close to markets.

According top player in the Lagos state government, one planned jetty could reduce some journeys by water to about 12 to 15 minutes while improving connectivity for communities around Bariga, Gbagada, Maryland, Anthony, Ketu and Shomolu.

Responding to concerns over the pace of projects, the commissioner said his ministry preferred careful planning, approvals and coordination with relevant agencies to rushing projects that could create larger problems later.

He disclosed the broader objective was to harness Lagos’ land and water resources responsibly while improving mobility, supporting economic activity, protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable waterfront development.