Alebiosu unleashes tough new enforcement drive for Lagos Waterfronts in 2026

The Lagos State Government is preparing for a more assertive and strategically driven year in waterfront administration, as the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, on Thursday announced sweeping reforms and intensified enforcement measures for 2026.

Addressing management staff of the Ministry during a review and strategy session in Lagos, Alebiosu made it clear that the coming year would mark a decisive shift in how the state manages its waterfront assets, protects designated schemes, and strengthens public confidence in government regulation.

“It will not be business as usual,” the Commissioner declared, setting the tone for what he described as a renewed, more robust direction for the Ministry.

He said 2026 would witness the rollout of a new policy framework designed to “reposition the Ministry for greater efficiency, improved service delivery, and enhanced public confidence,” insisting that the next phase of the Ministry’s work would be anchored on discipline, synergy and measurable outcomes.

Alebiosu, who praised the Ministry’s workforce for what he called “notable progress” over the past year, said the achievements recorded showed the “dedication and resilience of the workforce.”

He listed some of the landmark projects delivered under his watch, including the creation of the Okun-Ajah Scheme, the Okunde Scheme, and the Oworo Waterfront Scheme, initiatives he described as central to the state’s long-term urban and environmental development vision.

But it was his message on enforcement that underscored the seriousness of the state’s direction in 2026.

Expressing concern about continued encroachment on government waterfront schemes, Alebiosu issued a clear warning: “We have to enforce. We are very much aware of some encroachers on these schemes; therefore, our body language must be in conformity with the language they speak.”

The Commissioner said Lagos would intensify enforcement operations to protect the rights of legitimate property owners, stressing that government would not permit illegal occupation or unapproved developments on waterfront lands.

Stronger collaboration, he added, would guide the state’s new enforcement posture.

Alebiosu announced that the Ministry had already begun building a deeper working relationship with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and its subsidiaries to ensure alignment on monitoring, compliance, and regulation.

This inter-ministerial partnership, he said, would help enforce building and construction standards, safeguard waterfront corridors, and maintain orderly development.

According to him, “a stronger and more beneficial synergy will be established in the coming months,” noting that joint activities were underway to harmonise regulatory operations across agencies.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Wasiu Olayinka, echoed the Commissioner’s message of unity and renewed purpose, urging Heads of Departments and Units to embrace teamwork and collective responsibility.

He said the Ministry’s 2026 targets could only be met through “the habit of togetherness” and assured staff that cooperation with the Commissioner’s agenda would “propel the Ministry to greater heights.”