Lekki residents seek government intervention on perennial ocean surge

Lekki Estate Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) has urged the federal government to address the issue of ocean surge in the area.

The community residents spoke at a programme organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Thursday.

Communities such as Lafiaji, Owonikoko, Okun Ajah, Okun Alfa, Okun Mopo, and others are currently battling the challenge.

Joseph Onoja, NCF director-general, said that urgent steps must be taken to tackle the problem of erosion in Lekki.

He warned of devastating effects on many communities in the area if left unchecked.

Onoja said the foundation is actively monitoring developments along the axis through campaigns for coastal communities.

“From what we know, by the time the erosion continues for another 50 metres, it will be on the flat ground,” he said.

Desmond Majekodunmi, chairman of the Lekki estate urban forest and animal shelter, said the coconut trees around the coastal communities have been uprooted by water.

Majekodunmi said erosion in the area continued despite efforts by the former administration to fix groynes by the shores.

Osas Airen, a representative of Lascodal-Orchid road, said the fence behind Ocean Bay Estate, which lies some 300 metres from the sea, was affected by the surge two weeks ago.

Airen asked for urgent government intervention, adding that facilities and infrastructure in the area continue to be affected by the ecological challenge.