An Assessment of Wetland Loss in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Wetlands are a very important subsystem of the general ecosystem as they play vital roles in the sustenance of both the surface and groundwater resources of the earth. However, much of the world’s wetlands have been lost due to series of human activities which gradually cause the degradation of this distinct element of ecosystem. The foundation of this problem is based on public perception of wetlands as unproductive, unhealthy lands, full of disease carrying insects and reptiles such as snakes and crocodiles. Therefore, this study assessed the loss of wetlands in Lagos metropolis. Questionnaires were administered on 75 Estate Surveyors and Valuers located within the study area and 76% were successfully retrieved. Also, 20 questionnaires were administered on conservation officials while 50% were retrieved. Data collected was collated and anlysed using descriptive statistics and relative importance index (RII). The study revealed that wetlands in Lagos Metropolis are habitats for fishes, source of water supply, help in sustaining the food chain of various wetland animals and are inevitably useful in maintaining the integrity of the Lagos coastline. The study further revealed urbanisation as a major factor responsible for the loss and degradation of wetlands in Lagos. Construction activities such as sand-filling, converting and reclaiming wetlands for the purpose of housing construction and infrastructural development contribute to wetland loss in Lagos metropolis. The study therefore concluded that efforts should be geared towards giving this natural ecosystem its due consideration when taking economic decision that will impact on it.

Keywords: Environment, Lagos Metropolis, Wetland Loss, Wetland Valuation, Nigeria