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Africa’s foremost experts, policymakers and stakeholders in waterfront development are to gather for the Inaugural Lagos
Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit, billed to hold on Thursday, September 11, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Lagos State Commissioner, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu disclosed this during a press briefing on the first Lagos Waterfront Summit, themed: “Pressure On The Lagoon,” held on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.
Alebiosu noted that the programme, which would take place by 9 am, “is a groundbreaking event poised to redefine the future of urban waterfronts globally.”
The commissioner said that the “summit marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of waterfront development, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.”
He said that the summit serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in waterfront development, adding: “By bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, urban planners, and community representatives, the event aims to catalyze a new wave of collaborative and sustainable waterfront projects that can serve as models for cities around the world especially Lagos.”
Alebiosu said that the Lagos Lagoon is under intense pressure from both human-driven and climate‐related factors.
“Meanwhile, coastal erosion, sea level rise, flooding, and changing climate patterns are further destabilising this vital ecosystem and the communities it supports.”
He said that “mitigating these combined threats requires integrated action – improved waste management, stricter industrial regulation, wetland restoration, sustainable shoreline engineering, and support for vulnerable communities.”
While inviting stakeholders to partner with Lagos towards restoring and preserving this huge natural asset bequeathed to the state by Mother Nature, Alebiosu stressed that “without urgent intervention, the lagoon’s environmental and social collapse could become irreversible.”
His words: “As cities worldwide continue to expand and evolve, the importance of well-planned and sustainably managed waterfronts has never been more critical. Waterfronts are not only vital economic hubs but also essential in enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. The Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit aims to harness the collective expertise of its participants to drive forward-thinking solutions that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.”
According to him, key highlights of the summit that will be graced by over 500 international experts include global perspectives on best practices in waterfront development, showcasing successful projects and innovative strategies, sustainable development focusing on practices that ensure waterfront projects contribute positively to both the economy and the environment, technological innovations by exploring cutting-edge technologies and smart infrastructure solutions that can be integrated into waterfront development projects, investment opportunities as the summit will serve as a platform for stakeholders to explore potential partnerships, investments, and collaborative projects, while promoting community engagement by laying emphasis on the importance of engaging local communities in waterfront development to ensure projects meet their needs and aspirations.