Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic capital, is facing an environmental crisis of unprecedented proportions. Torrential rains have caused severe flooding, submerging urban areas and underscoring the unsustainable nature of our current living practices. Despite these dire warnings, there has continued to be great number of construction sand-filling projects. Yet we wonder why the headlines and environmental disasters are growing worse?. As nature reclaims its territory, we Lagosians are left to realize that no amount of money can stave off the impacts of climate change.
What Exactly Is Happening?
Lagos’ geographical location makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. The city is low-lying, with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level, and many areas are at or below sea level. This geographical reality, combined with poor urban planning, inadequate drainage systems, and rampant deforestation, creates a perfect storm for flooding.
Lagos is sinking at a rate of more than 10 millimeters per year, which is more than double the global average.
In 2021, CNN reported that “Africa’s most populous city is battling floods and rising seas. It may soon be unlivable, experts warn.” Despite these stark warnings, Lagos continues to practice environmentally damaging habits, exacerbating the crisis.
Home to more than 24 million people, Lagos is even projected to become uninhabitable by the end of this century as sea levels rise due to climate change, however, this may be sooner than we think
The problem is exacerbated by “inadequate and poorly maintained drainage systems and uncontrolled urban growth,” among others, according to a study led by the Institute of Development Studies. It is grappling with an eroding coastline that makes the city vulnerable to flooding, which Nigerian environmentalist Seyifunmi Adebote says is attributable to global warming and “human-induced action over a prolonged period.”
Sand mining for construction is a major contributor to shoreline erosion in Lagos, environmental experts have said. In Victoria Island, an affluent Lagos neighborhood – an entirely new coastal city christened ‘Eko Atlantic’ – is being built on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean, and will be protected from rising waters by an 8-kilometer-long wall made from concrete blocks, developers say. “Reclaiming land from the sea will put pressure on other coastal areas.”
Other critics have argued that adjacent areas not protected by the wall will be left vulnerable to tidal surges. According to Nigerian environmentalist Seyifunmi Adebote, sand mining for construction is a major contributor to shoreline erosion in Lagos.
The consequences of this environmental neglect are dire. Families are being displaced, with many forced to relocate to nowhere as their homes are submerged. Businesses face significant disruptions, leading to economic losses. Health hazards are on the rise as stagnant floodwaters become breeding grounds for diseases. Transportation chaos due to flooded roads leads to increased fuel costs and burdens on companies and families, impacting the overall productivity of the state.
Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria, is meant to be a beacon of opportunity. However, our reality doesn’t come close to living up to its title. The constant flooding is turning this vibrant city into a death trap, particularly for those living in low-income neighborhoods or who are homeless.
It is only going to get worse.
If current practices do not change, our future looks bleak:
- Increased Flood Frequency and Severity: Continued urban expansion and climate change will lead to more frequent and severe floods.
- Loss of Life and Property: The risk of fatalities and destruction of property will rise, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
- Environmental Degradation: Continued deforestation and poor waste management will further degrade the environment, exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
- Economic Decline: Persistent flooding will deter investment, strain resources, and hinder economic growth.
The Cost Of Ignorance
The Lagos State Government has proposed various solutions, such as raising roads and constructing larger drainage collectors. For instance, in Agungi, officials have acknowledged the need for a new collector to handle stormwater and have proposed raising the road level. However helpeful, these measures seem like temporary fixes that do not address the underlying issues of urban planning and environmental sustainability.
The commissioner for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure emphasized the need for continuous enforcement operations across the state to reclaim setbacks and drainage alignments to prevent flooding. Yet, these efforts fall short in the face of the overwhelming challenge that climate change presents.
Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Addressing this crisis requires immediate and sustained action:
- Improved Urban Planning: Implementing strict regulations on construction and sand filling to help maintain natural drainage systems.
- Climate Action: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy sources to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees and restoring natural habitats to enhance our land’s ability to absorb rainwater.
- Enhanced Drainage Systems: Investing in larger and more efficient drainage infrastructure
In this crisis, it is essential to recognize that private and public collaboration is a major solution. As we face the increasing impacts of climate change, “the future of our planet depends on the interdependence and collaboration of all sectors,” states environmental strategist, Mark Robinson.
“It is more than just raising the roads: the future of our planet depends on the interdependence and collaboration of all sectors,”
–United States environmental strategist, Mark Robinson.
As Lagosians, we must acknowledge that we play an undeniable role in the climate crisis and have the responsibility of taking collective action to combat it. By addressing the root causes and implementing sustainable practices, we can improve the quality of life for millions and ensure a safer, more resilient future.
