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.

Key words: Land reclamation, sea water intrusion, sea level rise, climate change, coastlines, wetlands