…Warn Against Unregulated Coastal Development

…Says Coastal Highway Not Responsible For Flooding 

The Shoreline Developers Association has called on the Federal and Lagos State governments to adopt a comprehensive 50-year shoreline master plan, warning that poor planning, indiscriminate sand-filling and encroachment on natural drainage channels are worsening flooding and threatening sustainable coastal development.

Speaking at the association’s inaugural press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, its spokesman, Mr Lai Omotola, dismissed claims that the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for flooding in some adjoining communities.

According to him, many of the affected properties were constructed below the approved road level and outside established planning standards long before the coastal highway project commenced.

“The coastal road was built according to the master plan. Those who built around it did so without considering future infrastructure. Water naturally flows from higher to lower ground, and many of the affected buildings have become reservoirs because they were developed below the road level,” Omotola said.

He noted that some affected property owners might eventually have to demolish and reconstruct their buildings to meet approved planning standards, stressing that developers should have access to long-term master plans before construction begins.

Omotola identified obstruction of natural drainage channels as another major cause of flooding, warning that waterways inevitably reclaim their natural courses when blocked by buildings and other developments.

He urged authorities to strengthen development control and make drainage network plans available to developers in order to prevent costly mistakes.

The association also warned against indiscriminate shoreline reclamation, insisting that shoreline development goes beyond sand-filling and must be driven by scientific studies, engineering assessments and environmental sustainability.

According to Omotola, Lagos possesses enormous opportunities in fisheries, marinas, renewable energy, wind farms, port logistics and eco-tourism, sectors he said remain largely untapped despite the state’s extensive coastline.

“We must move from crisis response to long-term strategic planning. Regulation should not only be about collecting revenue. It should deliver infrastructure that stimulates economic growth and protects the environment,” he said.

He expressed concern over the increasing rush into waterfront property development, noting that rising land values have attracted investors whose primary focus is profit rather than environmental sustainability.

Omotola warned that shoreline developments remain vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges and other climate-related threats, making strict adherence to global best practices imperative.

The association therefore called for comprehensive shoreline master plans, integrated drainage systems, mandatory environmental and social impact assessments and the deployment of modern technology to guide future developments.

On regulatory oversight, Omotola urged greater collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State, saying overlapping responsibilities among agencies have created uncertainty for developers.

He explained that while the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) retains authority over navigable waterways, state governments exercise planning and development control over reclaimed land in line with existing laws.

Omotola also challenged governments at all levels to ensure that revenue generated from development approvals is invested in world-class infrastructure capable of attracting tourism, investment and international events.

“Lagos has the potential to become one of the world’s leading waterfront cities if development is properly planned and sustainability is placed ahead of short-term profit,” he said.

The association pledged to promote self-regulation within the industry through science-driven and climate-compliant practices aimed at safeguarding Lagos’ shoreline while unlocking its economic potential.

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