Development along the coastline of Lagos State

The last weeks the entire coast of Lagos State had been surveyed in a fieldtrip. Remarkable was the rapid urbanization and expanding developments of Lagos City along the coastline east of Lagos City. These compounds and plots undergoing development are mainly located in lower areas in comparison with the rest of the coastline of Lagos State. However, these city expansions have more access from Lagos City and are attractive because of its location near the ocean. The question arises whether sea level rise or urban development near coastlines are contributing most to the flood risk, since Lagos’ urban planning seems to neglect any danger from the sea.

Life in Lagos is good. The facilities are well organized; like the guesthouse where I stay over, the office and transport with drivers. I can go (almost) everywhere anytime. In the weekend I just can go to the beach and can go out at night, and I feel relatively safe. Last weekend I made a trip to Badagry, a former slavery trade port. It was a little bit weird to experience that I have been welcomed far more kindly as a white guy in Badagry than in commercial heart Lagos. Naira’s (the local currency) were not discussion topic number one in this area, which is a kind of relief after experiencing Lagos.

Next week I am back in the Netherlands, and then I will present my midterm presentation of my thesis to Wageningen University. Next coming days I concentrate on the preparation of this green light presentation.