PROBABLE EFFECTS OF SEA LEVEL RISE AND LAND RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES ON COASTLINES AND WETLANDS OF LAGOS NIGERIA

Abstract

The yearly volumetric increase in the globe’s oceans and seas leading to “Sea Level Rise” has been a subject of research and debate in recent years. Coastal regions have been most vulnerable to this phenomenon sometimes resulting in serious disasters. Climate change and anthropogenic activities are major causes of many of these disasters. Lagos, the main commercial centre of Nigeria is not an exception. It has a long strip of coastline and wetland regions. However, the wetlands are rapidly declining due to increased pressure for residential and industrial lands. Hence, land reclamation activities have been on the increase in recent years especially in the Victoria Island, Lekki and Ikoyi axes of the state. These are essentially coastlines and wetlands. Despite environmental concerns about increased vulnerability to floods, sea water intrusion, salinization of the freshwater, and a risk of sea water resurgence into the reclaimed lands, the reclamation activities are increasingly becoming popular. Weak enforcement of Land use policies and inadequate empirical assessment of these activities birthed the need for this in-depth study. This study uses literature from across various disciplines, predictions and reports from monitoring agencies, global organisations, and real-life experiences. Inferences are made from these relevant and up to date information to assess critically and come up with empirical predictions on the probable effects of the land reclamation activities coupled with projected sea level rise. Current projections for Global mean sea level rise is 3.2mm/year, and regional levels could be higher depending on local factors. The findings show that the imminent dangers associated with these activities on low-lying, densely populated and slum areas like Makoko, Iwaya, Ilaje-bariga are far greater and closer than envisaged. This review proffers proactive and pragmatic solutions for stakeholders involved to abate these effects.