Waterfront properties in Lagos are beneath growing strain as in depth reclamation alongside the shoreline threatens the views that give them their worth.
Within the metropolis’s luxurious market, properties with unobstructed views of the lagoon or ocean command larger costs as a result of they provide life-style enchantment, exclusivity, and scenic magnificence.
Nevertheless, many reclamation initiatives, some carried out with out correct approvals in line with the Lagos State Authorities, are altering the shoreline.
In accordance with realtors, new developments are showing between present waterfront properties and the water they as soon as missed, decreasing their enchantment and making them tougher to promote, with values probably falling beneath these of properties with direct water entry and views.
The worth of waterfront vistas
Waterfront residing in Lagos has lengthy been synonymous with luxurious. Properties alongside the lagoon, seashores, or coastal areas not solely supply area but additionally scenic magnificence, exclusivity, and a way of life that appeals to high-net-worth people.
“The nearer you might be to the water, the costlier it’s,” a Lagos-based realtor informed Nairametrics.
He added {that a} residence’s worth is usually tied as a lot to its views as to its construction. Patrons are prepared to pay vital premiums for unobstructed vistas and direct entry to waterways, making waterfront properties a few of the most sought-after within the metropolis.
But the attract of those properties comes with a caveat. New reclamation initiatives and unregulated developments have the potential to impede views, decreasing each the aesthetic and monetary worth of present properties.
For house owners, this may imply a property that when commanded premium costs could turn into much less enticing as newer developments emerge nearer to the water.
Purchaser views: Weighing attract towards uncertainty
For a lot of consumers, waterfront properties usually are not simply an funding—they’re a private retreat. A seasoned skilled within the oil and fuel sector, who requested anonymity, shared that he had lengthy dreamed of proudly owning a beachside residence in Lagos.
“I at all times wished a spot the place I may really feel at peace every time I returned. I wished a sanctuary the place I may benefit from the calm and great thing about the ocean whereas staying near my household,” he informed Nairametrics.
He defined that even with the means to amass prime actual property, he exercised warning as a result of the town’s shoreline is consistently altering.
“Two of my associates who purchased waterfront properties have had their views blocked or modified by new developments,” he mentioned.
Involved in regards to the longevity of his personal view, he finally selected a property with no waterfront vista, prioritizing certainty over status.
This expertise illustrates a broader actuality in Lagos: the worth of waterside residing is intently tied to the view, which could be unpredictable.
As reclamation and unregulated developments reshape the shoreline, owners should take into account each life-style enchantment and long-term property worth earlier than investing in waterfront actual property.
Professional perception: Balancing improvement and waterfront worth
Olabisi Odusanya, an actual property analyst, defined that Lagos’ land shortage makes reclamation enticing, however the strategy has usually prioritized builders over residents.
“Lagos is a small state, so any effort to create extra land or enhance housing items is welcome.
“However what has been finished thus far is indiscriminate, with developments which might be beneath normal and poor infrastructure to assist them, which creates extra issues for the state,” she informed Nairametrics.
Drawing comparisons with coastal cities overseas, she highlighted how cities like New York, Baltimore, and Malibu combine improvement with waterfront entry.
“Alongside the Hudson River, at Harbour Level in Baltimore, and in Malibu, California, residences, properties, and companies are constructed to embrace the waterfront,” she mentioned.
Comparable approaches exist in Fidjrosse, Cotonou, the place planning prioritizes each accessibility and aesthetics.
Odusanya emphasised sustainable planning for Lagos:
“Constructing upward quite than outward, incorporating greenery, correct drainage, and making certain public entry to water can create waterfront developments that retain each worth and neighborhood enchantment,” she mentioned.
Her insights counsel that with correct design and regulation, Lagos can develop its shoreline in ways in which preserve scenic views, property worth, and public enjoyment, quite than prioritizing short-term positive factors for builders alone.
Authorities steps in to manage reclamation
In the meantime, the Lagos State Authorities has taken steps to handle the town’s increasing landmass and safeguard waterfronts. The state’s space has grown from 3,577 to 4,050 sq. kilometres, largely resulting from in depth reclamation of wetlands and lagoon areas.
Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Setting and Water Assets, defined the importance of this enlargement in a September press launch issued by the ministry.
“This progress highlights the size of human-driven modifications to Lagos’ geography, with implications for flooding, drainage, and local weather resilience,” he acknowledged.
In response, the federal government ordered the suspension of all reclamation initiatives, citing environmental and social dangers. The suspension applies to each ongoing and deliberate actions, no matter prior Environmental Impression Evaluation approvals.
Wahab additionally famous that indiscriminate reclamation in areas equivalent to Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Badagry has turn into widespread with out correct oversight.
“All accredited initiatives should now bear correct documentation and monitoring. Ongoing or deliberate actions require Environmental Impression Evaluation approval and drainage clearance earlier than continuing,” he mentioned.
These measures intention to steadiness improvement with environmental safety, making certain reclamation initiatives observe correct oversight and environmental requirements.
Outlook
Some reclamation initiatives in Lagos have been criticized for being beneath normal, however well-planned developments present potential for sustainable waterfront residing. Eko Atlantic Metropolis, for instance, options correct drainage, street networks, and accessible waterfront areas.
Civil engineer Babatunji Adegoke emphasised the necessity for Environmental Impression Assessments, threat mitigation, and strict laws earlier than beginning reclamation.
“Reclaimed land usually requires stabilization or costlier foundations, equivalent to piling, to make sure secure development,” he mentioned.
Consultants be aware that Lagos can be taught from coastal cities like New York, Baltimore, and Malibu, the place developments combine infrastructure, aesthetics, and public entry. With correct planning and oversight, waterfront residing can stay each secure and sustainable.
