BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
Lagos State Government has unveiled its plan to organise the first Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit as part of concerted efforts to protect the water bodies, promote sustainable use of the waterways and preserve its huge socio-economic potentials to the benefit of the State.
Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu disclosed this while briefing the Press on the forthcoming Summit, themed: “Pressure on the Lagoon;
The Lagos Experience”, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.
The Commissioner stated that the inaugural summit is a groundbreaking event poised to redefine the future of urban waterfronts globally and mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of waterfront development, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.
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, and investment opportunities.
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.
“The summit is a call to action, as the event will converge all stakeholders involved in waterfront development, bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, urban planners, and community representatives, to catalyse a new wave of collaborative and sustainable waterfront projects that can serve as models for cities around the world,” he said.
The Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit will be held on Thursday, 11th September 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos starting at 9 am.
While describing the Lagos Lagoon as under intense pressure from both human-driven and climate‐related factors, he enjoined stakeholders to rally around and support the State Government towards reducing the pressure on the lagoons.
