Publication: The Cost of Coastal Zone Degradation in Nigeria: Cross River, Delta and Lagos States
Date
2020-10
ISSN
Published
2020-10
Author(s)
Abstract
Nigeria is Africa’s richest economy. The
country has a large population, abundant natural resources,
and diverse cultures. Coastal areas are particularly unique:
extending along more than 800 km, they are home to rich
ecosystems, thriving industries, and booming opportunities.
But these areas are also fragile. Every year, floods,
erosion, and pollution of air and water have alarming
consequences: they cause death, sicken children, and wash
away land and houses. The poor bear the brunt. How big is
the damage? This report provides a clear answer to this
important question. Using a consistent valuation
methodology, it estimates the cost of coastal degradation in
three Nigerian states: Cross River, Delta and Lagos. The
results are striking: in 2018 alone, floods, erosion and
pollution in these three states cost society US$9.7 billion,
or 2.4 percent of the country’s GDP. As this estimate covers
less than a half of the country’s coastline, the total cost
of coastal degradation in Nigeria is certainly higher. This
report demonstrates the benefits of doing a coordinated
study that builds on state and local level analyses. Its
findings will inform the country’s multi-sectoral investment
plan for the coastal zone, and will support its efforts to
mobilize financing for coastal resilience as part of the
West Africa Coastal Areas program. Investing in coastal
resilience will save lives and prevent future damages. The
time is now.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“Croitoru, Lelia; Miranda, Juan Jose; Khattabi, Abdellatif; Lee, Jia Jun. 2020. The Cost of Coastal Zone Degradation in Nigeria: Cross River, Delta and Lagos States. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/34758 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”