The newly inaugurated Shoreline Developers Association of Lagos (SDAL) has called for the development of a 50 to 100-year master plan for Lagos’ coastline, describing the state’s shoreline as an untapped $1 trillion asset capable of transforming the economy through sustainable development, tourism and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Speaking at the association’s inaugural ceremony held in Wasimi, Maryland, Lagos, SDAL President, Lai Omotola, said the future of shoreline development must extend beyond land reclamation and profit-making to embrace sustainability, environmental protection and long-term planning.
Delivering a speech titled “Beyond the Profits to Sustainability,” Omotola disclosed that property values along Lagos shorelines have risen by about 751 per cent over the past five years, while planning permit and title registration fees have increased by approximately 300 per cent, reflecting growing investor interest in the sector.
He warned, however, that the surge in investments has also attracted indiscriminate shoreline reclamation activities without adequate consideration for environmental sustainability and climate risks.
According to him, SDAL was established to promote self-regulation within the industry through science, technology-driven and climate-compliant shoreline development.
“Our vision is to see the beauty of nature complemented by development that improves lifestyles and living conditions. It is time to move from crisis response to long-term strategic planning,” he said.
Omotola stressed that shoreline development should not be limited to sandfilling but should harness the vast economic opportunities available in fisheries, wind energy, coastal rail infrastructure, marinas, renewable energy, high-value port logistics and eco-tourism.
He called on governments, private investors and other stakeholders to jointly fund a comprehensive shoreline development plan covering the state’s coastline, which he said accounts for about 40 per cent of Lagos’ landmass.
The SDAL president also urged regulators to prioritise infrastructure development over revenue generation, advocating investments in comprehensive drainage systems, shoreline master planning, environmental and social impact assessments, and the deployment of advanced technologies.
Highlighting the growing threats posed by climate change, Omotola noted that rising sea levels, stronger storm surges and groundwater extraction causing land subsidence of about four millimetres annually require urgent attention.
He said Lagos must align its shoreline development strategy with global best practices while preserving its mangrove ecosystems and protecting its islands as ecological assets.
Omotola further called on Lagos State to prepare for the expected impact of the $3.3 billion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, saying coordinated planning would be essential to maximise its economic benefits.
He also advocated stronger collaboration between federal and State government agencies involved in shoreline regulation, while identifying the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as the lead agency for coastal water management.
According to him, NIWA should oversee shoreline development within coastal waters, while the Office of the Surveyor-General handles cadastral surveys, environmental impact assessments are conducted by either federal or state authorities, and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development issues Federal Certificates of Occupancy.
He added that once reclaimed land becomes terrestrial, Lagos State assumes responsibility for layout approvals, building permits and related development approvals.
Omotola concluded that investments in shoreline development remain highly profitable despite the significant capital required.
“There is no amount of investment that goes into shoreline development that cannot be recovered, even as we sit on an unlocked $1 trillion asset in Lagos and a future eco-friendly and tourist destination,” he said.
He said SDAL would focus on advocacy, sustainable development, environmental protection and transforming Lagos’ coastline into a world-class economic and tourism hub.
About The Author
