Akodo Ise, a coastal community in the eastern part of Lagos State, Nigeria, is among the most vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels, ocean surges, and storm-induced flooding. Located near prominent landmarks like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Dangote Refinery, Akodo Ise is known for its serene environment and rich fishing activities. However, the community has suffered immense losses due to climate change, which threatens its very existence.
Lagos State, naturally susceptible to flooding due to its location along the Atlantic Ocean, faces exacerbated challenges from human-induced factors like poor drainage, improper waste disposal, and wetland destruction. These factors, coupled with natural occurrences such as coastal erosion, have worsened the flooding situation in communities like Akodo Ise.
As a result, the livelihoods of many residents – primarily dependent on fishing, farming, and tourism – have been severely affected, with fishing grounds, vessels, and farmland damaged or destroyed.
During a recent visit to Akodo Ise, the Baale (traditional leader) shared the community’s struggles, describing how recurrent flooding and erosion have devastated his coconut farmland and forced him to relocate from his home. The primary school, once a vital part of the community, now stands abandoned at the edge of the ocean. Walking through the community, the scale of the destruction becomes apparent: damaged infrastructure, ruined homes, and even burial grounds washed away by the encroaching sea.
There is an urgent need for immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change in communities like Akodo Ise. The government and other stakeholders must implement effective measures, including building resilient infrastructure and fostering local adaptation strategies.
While the Lagos State Government’s annual International Climate Change Summit offers a platform for discussion, tangible actions are necessary to protect vulnerable communities from the ongoing threat of rising sea levels.
By Mayowa Adebote
