Fatshimetrie: The Looming Threat of Lagos Being Submerged in Water
Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, is facing an imminent crisis: it is about to sink into the surrounding waters. Not only is Lagos one of the most densely populated cities in Africa, it is also one of the cities at the highest risk of being submerged, according to the Director-General of the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Climate change is one of the main culprits behind this threat. With its unbalanced land-to-sea ratio, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by global warming. United Nations scientists predict a one-metre rise in sea levels between 2030 and 2050, which could have devastating consequences for a city like Lagos, much of which is less than one metre above sea level.
But climate change is not the only culprit. Poor drainage infrastructure and waste-clogged gutters also contribute to Lagos’ vulnerability to flooding, particularly during heavy rains. Every time it rains, entire neighbourhoods of the city are submerged, putting the lives of millions at risk.
In addition, the development of megacities such as Banana Island, Eko Atlantic City and Lekki also poses risks to the ecosystem. Land reclamation and dredging disrupt the delicate balance between land and sea, making these areas even more vulnerable to flooding.
Sand-filled areas are particularly at risk, due to their proximity to water and poor drainage. Sand, while permeable, cannot always effectively absorb heavy rains or rising water levels. Even in low-income communities like Makoko, built on reclaimed wetlands, the risk of submersion is even greater, as buildings are already highly exposed to flooding.
Thus, with factors such as coastal erosion, poor infrastructure, climate change and other challenges intersecting, the likelihood of Lagos sinking into the waters is becoming an increasingly pressing reality. It is imperative that stringent measures are taken now to prevent an unprecedented environmental and humanitarian catastrophe. Otherwise, the beautiful city of Lagos risks disappearing beneath the waves, taking with it the beating heart of an entire nation.