UPDATED: OVER 500 GLOBAL EXPERTS GATHER IN LAGOS FOR MAIDEN WATERFRONT SUMMIT SEPTEMBER 11 (PHOTOS)

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to host the first Waterfront Infrastructure Development Summit on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The maiden summit is aimed at safeguarding water bodies, promoting sustainable use of waterways, and preserving their vast socio-economic benefits for the State.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Themed “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience”, the summit is expected to attract more than 500 international experts.

Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner described the event as “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.”

He noted that the summit will feature sessions on global best practices in waterfront development, sustainable approaches that benefit both the economy and environment, the integration of smart infrastructure and new technologies, as well as investment opportunities for public and private stakeholders.

According to him, it will also stress the importance of engaging local communities in development plans to ensure their needs and aspirations are met.

“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 catalyze a new wave of collaborative and sustainable waterfront projects that can serve as models for cities around the world,” he said.

While highlighting that the Lagos Lagoon is under “intense pressure from both human-driven and climate-related factors,” Alebiosu called on stakeholders to support the State Government’s efforts to reduce the strain on its waterways.