Stakeholder Perceptions of Environmental Risks Associated with Construction Activities in the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid waterfront development around the Lagos Lagoon has heightened concerns about the environmental impacts of construction in one of Nigeria’s most important coastal ecosystems. While existing studies have largely focused on water quality and ecological indicators, limited attention has been given to stakeholder perceptions of environmental risks associated with shoreline development. This study examined stakeholder perceptions of construction-induced environmental risks across selected communities surrounding the Lagos Lagoon. We adopted a mixed-methods approach, using purposive and snowball sampling to survey 109 stakeholders, complemented by 12 key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, while interview responses were analysed thematically. Building development (63.3%), sand filling (47.7%), road construction (45.9%), and dredging (22.0%) were the most commonly observed construction activities. Drainage channels (59.6%) and direct lagoon discharge (25.7%) were identified as major pollution pathways. Approximately 64.2% of respondents reported declining aquatic life, 51.4% reported health concerns associated with lagoon conditions, and 39.5% reported high or very high livelihood impacts. Impact zone was significantly associated with perceived health concerns (χ² = 33.53, p < 0.001), whereas differences in perceived aquatic life reduction and livelihood impacts were not statistically significant. Interviews further highlighted sedimentation, flooding, shoreline modification, and construction runoff. We conclude that stakeholders perceive construction activities as important contributors to ecological degradation and livelihood disruption within the Lagos Lagoon, underscoring the need for stronger environmental management and monitoring of waterfront development.