Daud Olatunji
Recent Investigations have shown that climate change is threatening the very existence of coastal cities in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and other South West states of Nigeria.
Regrwtsbly,rising sea levels are quietly rewriting the geography of Nigeria’s coastline.
At Makoko, a slum built on stilts above Lagos Lagoon, residents have lived with water as an essential part of their daily lives for generations. But in recent years, the waters have grown more menacingly.
“Every year, the floods come earlier and higher,” said Ibrahim Adamu, a fisherman whose family has lived in Makoko for decades. “We are losing our homes to the water.”
This story is not unique to Makoko. From the sprawling urban jungles of Lagos to the serene coastal towns in Ogun and Ondo, among other neighbouring states, the narrative is eerily similar.
Rising sea levels, driven by global warming, have begun to claim lands once thought to be untouchable.
Experts estimate that some parts of Lagos could be underwater by 2050 if urgent measures are not taken.
Nigeria’s coastal areas, already vulnerable due to their low elevation and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, face an additional threat from human activities like sand mining and deforestation, which exacerbate erosion and weaken natural barriers.
Dr. Tunde Akinwande, a climate scientist at the University of Ibadan, explained, “What we’re seeing is a combination of global phenomena and local mismanagement. The warming of the planet is causing glaciers to melt at unprecedented rates, and Nigeria’s coastline is paying the price.”
Lagos, with its dense population and economic importance, is perhaps the most high-profile victim. Yet, the story doesn’t end there. In Ogun State, communities in Ijebu Waterside have begun relocating due to the encroaching waters.
Farther east in Ondo, the famed beaches of Ilaje have seen entire fishing settlements disappear beneath the waves.
Residents of Ayetoro, a once-thriving coastal community in Ondo State, recall a time when their village was a vibrant hub of commerce and culture. Today, the sea has swallowed much of it.
“We wake up each day fearing that our homes might not be there tomorrow,” lamented Chief Sunday Olowolafe, a community leader.
… Economic and Social Fallout
Climate change, with its relentless progression, is causing sea levels to rise, endangering the very existence of Nigeria’s coastal cities, particularly in the South West states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and beyond.
Lagos, Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, stands as a testament to human resilience and ambition. Yet, its geographical position makes it acutely vulnerable to the encroaching seas.
PLATFORM TIMES observed that the economic impact of rising sea levels is staggering. Coastal erosion threatens infrastructure like roads, bridges, and power installations. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, faces billions of naira in potential damages as flooding disrupts businesses and displaces communities.
The city has been identified among the 50 most susceptible to extreme sea levels, ranking 30th in terms of population exposure to flooding in 2005 and projected to rise to 15th by the 2070s.
The implications of these statistics are not merely numbers on a page but translate into real-world challenges. Increased flooding events have become almost annual occurrences, disrupting lives, displacing communities, and causing significant economic losses.
The 2023 floods, for instance, affected over 33,000 people nationwide, with Lagos and other South West states bearing a substantial brunt of the impact.
… Beyond Lagos: The Plight of Ogun and Ondo
While Lagos often captures the spotlight, neighboring states like Ogun and Ondo are not spared from the ravages of rising sea levels.
In Ondo State, communities have witnessed increased flooding, leading to the displacement of residents and destruction of property.
The coastal areas of Ogun State face similar threats, with erosion and saltwater intrusion jeopardizing agriculture and freshwater resources.
For coastal dwellers, the loss is not just financial but cultural. “The sea is part of our identity,” said Efunsetan Adewale, a traditional chief in Ogun State. “If we lose the land, we lose ourselves.”
The human cost of these environmental changes is profound. Estimates suggest that between 27 to 53 million people in Nigeria’s coastal areas have been displaced due to sea-level rise.
These displacements disrupt livelihoods, fracture communities, and place immense strain on urban infrastructures as displaced populations migrate to cities in search of refuge and opportunities.
… Searching for Solutions
Findings showed that serious efforts were being taken to mitigate the crisis, but have been slow and underfunded. The Eko Atlantic City project, touted as a modern solution to Lagos’ flooding woes, has faced criticism for catering primarily to the elite while displacing poorer communities.
Meanwhile, state governments in Ogun, Ondo, and other South West states are struggling to implement effective policies due to limited resources and competing priorities.
Experts like Dr. Akinwande advocates, a multi-pronged approach that includes building resilient infrastructure, restoring mangroves as natural barriers, and enforcing stricter regulations on sand mining and construction in flood-prone areas.
… A Call to Action
For residents of Nigeria’s coastal cities, the future feels precarious. Many wonder how long they can hold out against the rising tides. Yet, amid the despair, there is also resilience. Communities are coming together to adapt, building floating homes and investing in early warning systems for floods.
Still, the clock is ticking. Without decisive action, the story of Nigeria’s coastal cities could become one of displacement and loss. The fight against rising sea levels is not just a battle for land; it is a battle for identity, culture, and survival.
The narrative of Nigeria’s coastal cities is at a critical juncture. Without decisive action, the rich cultural heritage and economic vitality of these urban centers face an uncertain future.
Adaptation strategies, such as the construction of sea defenses, sustainable urban planning, and robust disaster response mechanisms, are imperative. Moreover, addressing the root causes of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions remains a global and national priority.
As the sun sets over the Atlantic, casting a golden hue over Lagos’s skyline, one is reminded of the delicate balance between nature and human endeavour.
Preserving this balance requires collective effort, informed policy decisions, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s coastal cities for generations to come.
As the waves lap hungrily at Nigeria’s shores, the question remains: will the nation rise to the challenge, or will its coastal cities become relics of a world lost to climate change?
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