From Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Yacoob Alebiosu, has announced a partnership with the Netherlands to address coastal erosion along the state’s 187-kilometre coastline.
Speaking at a press briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second-term anniversary, Alebiosu stressed the need for expertise from a nation experienced in coastal management.
“Hawks don’t take flying lessons from chickens. Who else do we look up to, if not those who have been there, done that, and succeeded?” he said, noting the Netherlands’ long-standing expertise and presence in Nigeria.
Alebiosu highlighted the loss of communities like Akodo Ise, Itoke, and Origanrigan to the Atlantic Ocean, recalling a traditional ruler’s story of a submerged primary school now nearly a kilometre offshore.
Alebiosu led a delegation to the Netherlands, engaging with firms like Invest International, Boskalis, and Van Oord. “What we experienced and learned from the Netherlands was truly remarkable,” he said, expressing optimism about sustainable solutions to protect Lagos’ coastline and communities.