•As Omotola warns against profit-driven devt
By Ishola Balogun
The Shoreline Developers Association of Lagos (SDAL) was formally inaugurated yesterday, with its President, Lai Omotola, urging stakeholders to look “beyond profits to sustainability” in the face of rapid shoreline property growth and environmental threats.
Speaking at the Ebootcamp in Wasimi, Omotola highlighted the surge in shoreline property values, which have risen by 751% in the past five years, alongside a 300% increase in planning permit and title registration fees. He warned that unchecked development risks damaging Lagos’ natural endowment.
“There is a rush by businessmen to join the fray without concerns for environment and nature,” Omotola said. “Our vision is to see the beauty of nature complimented by development towards improving lifestyle and living conditions.” Omotola stressed that shoreline development must go beyond sandfilling, pointing to untapped opportunities in fisheries, wind farms, coastal railways, renewable energy, port logistics, and eco-tourism.
“Shoreline development is not sandfilling carelessly — that is just the scratch of the surface,” he declared. “It is time for all stakeholders to fund a 50 to 100-year master plan for Lagos’ coastal line, which makes up 40% of our land mass.”
He also raised concerns about global threats such as sea level rise, storm surges, and groundwater extraction sinking Lagos at 4mm per year, calling for urgent investment in drainage networks, environmental impact assessments, and high-end technology.
Omotola emphasized collaboration between federal and state agencies, noting that the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) should remain the lead regulator, while Lagos State retains authority over permits once reclaimed land is established.
“There should not be conflict among agencies of federal Government and Lagos State Government,” he said. “This cures multiplicity of roles.” The SDAL President concluded by underscoring the economic potential of shoreline development, describing Lagos’ coastal assets as an “unlocked $1 trillion opportunity” that could transform the state into a global eco-friendly tourist destination.
“There is no amount of investment that goes into shoreline development that cannot be recovered,” Omotola affirmed. “This is the essence of SDAL — advocacy, development, transformation, and sustaining luxurious lifestyle.”
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