THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLGY AKURE

P.M.B 704, ONDO STATE

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE NIGERIA, ITS ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

AND ITS CHALLENGES: SEXTON AND MURDAY 1994

BY
OLAOYE AYOMIDE DEBORAH

MATRIC NUMBER
MST/17/2714

SUBMITTED TO:

THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THIS REPORT IS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE SEA

PRACTICAL AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A B. TECH IN MARINE
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Overview of the Coastal morphology in Nigeria
1.1 Aims and Objectives
1.1.1 Aims
1.1.2 Objectives
1.2 Physical processes that shape the coastal morphology of Nigeria
1.3 Brief overview of the importance of coastal morphology in Nigeria's economic
development
1.4 Economic potential of the Nigeria’s Coastal Morphology
1.4.1 Economic potential of the Nigeria’s Coastal Morphology
1.5 Challenges Facing Nigeria's Coastal Morphology

CHAPTER 2

2.0 Sexton and Murday's 1994 study on the coastal morphology of Nigeria

2.1 Sexton and Murday's 1994 study on the coastal morphology of Niger Delta region

CHAPTER 3

3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Conclusion

3.2 Recommendation

REFERENCES
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Overview of the Coastal morphology in Nigeria
Oladipo, E.O. and Olaoye, O.A. (2017), Nigeria's coastal morphology is characterized by a
diverse range of landforms, which includes beaches, deltas, estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, and
coastal plains. The beaches along Nigeria's coast are typically sandy and extend for long
stretches. Some of the major beaches include Bar Beach in Lagos, which is a popular tourist
destination, and Eleko Beach, which is known for its serene and tranquil environment.

These landforms are the result of complex interactions between natural processes such as tides,
waves, sediment transport, and coastal erosion and deposition, as well as human activities such
as land use changes, coastal engineering, and sand mining. The coastal geomorphology of
Nigeria plays a significant role in the country's economy, as it supports a variety of economic
activities such as fishing, oil and gas exploration, shipping, and tourism. However, the coastal
zone is also vulnerable to a range of natural and anthropogenic threats, including sea level rise,
erosion, pollution, and coastal flooding (Kusimo, T. F., Adedeji, O. H., & Owoyemi, T. O.
2019).

Oladipo, E. O., & Omoboriowo, A. O. (2013), Nigeria's coastal geomorphology can be divided
into two main zones: the western and eastern coastal plains. The western coastal plain, which
extends from the border with Benin to Lagos, is characterized by a series of sandy beaches,
coastal dunes, and barrier islands. It also includes a number of lagoons, including the Lagos
Lagoon, which is the largest and most important lagoon in the region. The eastern coastal plain,
which extends from the Niger Delta to the border with Cameroon, is characterized by a complex
network of estuaries, deltas, and tidal flats. The Niger Delta, which is one of the largest deltas in
the world, is the most prominent feature of this region and is a major oil and gas producing area.
 Figure 1.0 Map of the Nigeria Coast

1.1 Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of a seminar on the coastal geomorphology of Nigeria and its economic
potential and challenges using Sexton and Murday's 1994 study as a case study could include:

1.1.1 Aims

1. To provide an overview of the coastal geomorphology of Nigeria

2. To assess the economic potential of Nigeria's coastline
3. To examine the challenges facing Nigeria's coastline

1.1.2 Objectives:

1. To describe the coastal landforms and features of Nigeria's coastline

2. To identify the economic activities taking place along Nigeria's coastline and their
contributions to the Nigerian economy
1.2 Physical processes that shape the coastal morphology of Nigeria

The coastal morphology of Nigeria is shaped by several physical processes, including wave
action, tides, and sediment transport. These processes interact with each other to create unique
landforms along the coast.

Wave Action: Wave action is one of the most significant processes that shape the coast of
Nigeria. Waves erode the coastline by the force of their impact, leading to the formation of
features such as sea cliffs, wave-cut platforms, and sea caves. The wave energy also leads to the
transportation of sediment, which is deposited elsewhere along the coast.

Tides: Tides are another important factor that influences the coastal morphology of Nigeria. The
rise and fall of tides change the water level along the coast, leading to the erosion and deposition
of sediment. Tides can also create tidal channels and estuaries, which can serve as habitats for a
variety of marine life.

Sediment Transport: Sediment transport refers to the movement of sediment along the coast.
Sediment can be transported by waves, currents, and tides. The type and size of sediment
determine how far it can be transported. Sediment transport leads to the formation of beaches,
sand dunes, and barrier islands.

In summary, the coastal morphology of Nigeria is shaped by a combination of wave action, tides,
and sediment transport. These processes interact with each other to create a unique landscape
along the coast. Understanding these processes is critical for managing the coastlines of Nigeria,
particularly in light of increasing coastal erosion and rising sea levels.
1.3 Brief overview of the importance of coastal morphology in Nigeria's economic
development
Nigeria's economic development relies heavily on the characteristics of its coastal morphology,
which spans over 853 km and encompasses various ecosystems like lagoons, estuaries,
mangroves, and sandy beaches, all of which offer numerous economic benefits.

Firstly, the fishing industry in Nigeria depends heavily on the coastal zone, as it is a significant
source of food and income for the country. The estuaries, lagoons, and mangrove swamps along
the coastline support a diverse range of fish species, shrimps, and crabs, which provide a
livelihood for local fishermen and have commercial value.

Secondly, Nigeria's oil and gas industry, which is the country's primary source of revenue, relies
heavily on the coastal zone. The Niger Delta region, located along the coast, accounts for more
than 90% of Nigeria's oil production. The unique morphology of the region, including its rivers,
swamps, and mangroves, creates an ideal environment for the extraction and transportation of oil
and gas.

Thirdly, the sandy beaches that line Nigeria's coastline attract tourists, contributing significantly
to the country's economy. These beaches offer opportunities for recreational activities like
swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball, as well as the chance to experience the natural beauty
of the coastline.

Lastly, the coastal zone is a vital transportation route for Nigeria's international trade. The
country's major ports are situated along the coast and handle a substantial volume of imports and
exports, contributing to Nigeria's economic growth.

Nigeria's coastal morphology is crucial for its economic development, as it provides habitats for
valuable marine resources, supports the oil and gas industry, attracts tourists, and serves as a
critical transportation route for international trade.

1.4 Economic potential of the Nigeria’s Coastal Morphology

Nigeria's coastal morphology plays a crucial role in supporting a variety of economic activities.
Here is an overview of the major industries that rely on Nigeria's coastline:
1. Fishing: Nigeria's coastline is rich in marine resources, and fishing is an important
source of income for many coastal communities. The country's fishery industry is the
second largest in Africa, and employs over six million people.
2. Oil and gas exploration: Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa and one of the top
ten in the world. Much of this oil and gas production takes place offshore, with major oil
companies operating in the country.
3. Tourism: Nigeria's coastline has several beaches and other attractions that draw visitors
from both within and outside the country. The tourism industry is a growing sector and a
source of foreign exchange earnings.
4. Agriculture: Coastal areas in Nigeria are also used for agriculture, with crops such as
rice, cassava, and coconut grown in these regions. These crops are a source of food and
income for many people in coastal communities.
5. Mining: Nigeria's coastline also contains mineral resources, such as limestone, clay, and
salt. These minerals are used in various industries, including construction and
manufacturing.
6. Port activities: Nigeria's coastline is home to several major ports, including the Lagos
Port Complex and the Port Harcourt Port. These ports serve as important gateways for the
country's trade with other countries.
7. Aquaculture: Aquaculture, or fish farming, is another important industry that relies on
Nigeria's coastal morphology. Several types of fish and other seafood are farmed in the
country's coastal waters.
8. Renewable energy: Nigeria's coastline has the potential to support renewable energy
projects, such as offshore wind and wave energy. These projects could help to reduce the
country's reliance on fossil fuels.
9. Marine transportation: Nigeria's coastal waters are also used for transportation, with
ships and boats carrying goods and people between coastal cities and towns.
10. Coastal protection: Finally, Nigeria's coastline is also subject to erosion and other
natural hazards. Coastal protection measures, such as sea walls and beach nourishment,
are necessary to protect coastal communities and infrastructure.

In summary, Nigeria's coastal morphology is a critical component of its economy, supporting

a diverse range of industries and livelihoods.
1.4.1 The Economic benefits of these activities

The economic benefits of the activities that rely on Nigeria's coastal morphology include:

1. Job creation: The various economic activities that take place along the coast, such as
fishing and oil exploration, create employment opportunities for the local population.
This, in turn, boosts the local economy and improves the standard of living for the
people.
2. Revenue generation: Fishing and oil and gas exploration are major sources of revenue
for Nigeria. The revenue generated from these activities helps to fund the country's
development projects, such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
3. Foreign exchange earnings: Nigeria earns foreign exchange through the export of oil
and fish products. The foreign exchange earnings help to strengthen the country's
currency and support international trade.
4. Food security: Fishing is a crucial source of food for the Nigerian population. The
coastal waters provide a rich source of fish and other seafood that is consumed locally
and exported to other countries.
5. Industrial development: The oil and gas industry has spurred industrial development in
Nigeria. The availability of petroleum products has led to the growth of several
industries, such as petrochemicals, plastics, and fertilizer production. This has created
more job opportunities and boosted economic growth.
1.5 Challenges Facing Nigeria's Coastal Morphology

Nigeria's coastal morphology faces several challenges, including:

1. Coastal erosion: Coastal erosion is a significant threat to Nigeria's coastline. It is caused

by natural factors such as sea level rise and storm surges, as well as human activities such
as sand mining and oil exploration. This erosion can lead to the loss of land,
infrastructure, and property, and can also threaten human lives and livelihoods.
2. Pollution: The oil and gas industry and other human activities along the coast can lead to
pollution of the coastal waters. This pollution can harm marine life and impact fishing
activities, which are a significant economic activity in the region.
3. Overfishing: Overfishing is a threat to the sustainability of Nigeria's fishing industry. As
the demand for fish increases, there is a risk that fish stocks may be depleted, leading to
the loss of livelihoods for fishing communities.
4. Climate change: Climate change is a significant threat to Nigeria's coastal morphology.
Rising sea levels, increased storm activity, and changing weather patterns can all have
adverse effects on the coast, leading to erosion, flooding, and other challenges.
5. Inadequate coastal management: Inadequate management of the coastal zone is a
challenge in Nigeria. There is a lack of comprehensive planning and coordination among
government agencies, leading to uncontrolled development, illegal sand mining, and
other activities that can harm the coast.

These challenges require urgent action to address and mitigate their impact on Nigeria's coastal
morphology. Some of the solutions include implementing coastal protection measures,
promoting sustainable fishing practices, reducing pollution, and improving coastal management
through better planning and coordination among stakeholders.
 CHAPTER 2

2.0 Sexton and Murday's 1994 study on the coastal morphology of Nigeria

Sexton and Murday's 1994 study on the coastal geomorphology of Nigeria aimed to investigate
the geological and environmental characteristics of Nigeria's coastal zone, specifically focusing
on the physical processes that shape the coastline. The study used a combination of fieldwork,
satellite imagery, and sediment analysis to analyze the coastal sedimentology, shoreline change,
and coastal landforms. Sexton and Murday’s found that the coastline was shaped by a complex
interplay of coastal processes, including wave action, longshore drift, and tidal currents, resulting
in the formation of a range of coastal landforms such as barrier islands, spits, and estuaries.

Sexton and Murday’s identified the different types of coastal landforms present along Nigeria's
coastline, including beaches, spits, tombolo, barriers, lagoons, and estuaries. They described the
mechanisms behind the formation of these landforms, including wave refraction, longshore drift,
and sediment deposition. Sexton and Murday’s also noted the significance of mangrove swamps
in the coastal zone, as they provide critical habitat for various marine species and act as a natural
barrier against coastal erosion and flooding (Sexton, M., & Murday, K. 2006).

The study also highlighted the importance of the coastal zone to the fishing industry and local
communities and called for more effective management of the coastal environment to balance
economic development with conservation efforts.
2.1 Sexton and Murday's 1994 study on the coastal morphology of Niger Delta region

Sexton and Murday's 1994 study titled "Nigeria's Coastal Zone: Problems and Potentials" was
conducted to assess the coastal morphology of Nigeria and identify the problems and potentials
associated with it. The study focused on the Niger Delta region, which is located along Nigeria's
coastline and is of great economic significance to the country.

Ifeanyichukwu E. Otuonye and Paul E. Onoduku. (2016), the Niger Delta is a vast coastal region
in southern Nigeria that covers an area of approximately 70,000 square kilometers. The region is
characterized by a complex network of rivers, creeks, and mangrove swamps, which provide a
unique habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.

The study found that the Niger Delta region has enormous economic potential, primarily in the
areas of agriculture, fisheries, and oil and gas exploration. The fertile soils of the region can
support large-scale agriculture, while its waterways provide a rich source of fish and other
marine resources. In addition, the region is home to significant oil and gas reserves, which have
made Nigeria one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world.

However, the study also identified a number of challenges facing the development of the region.
These include the high level of poverty among the local population, the lack of basic
infrastructure such as roads and electricity, and the environmental degradation caused by oil and
gas exploration.

One of the most significant challenges facing the Niger Delta region is the environmental impact
of oil and gas exploration. The study found that oil spills, gas flaring, and other forms of
pollution have caused extensive damage to the region's ecosystems, leading to the loss of
biodiversity and the destruction of traditional livelihoods.

Sexton and Murday's study highlight the economic potential of the Niger Delta region and the
challenges facing its development. It emphasizes the need for sustainable development practices
that consider the region's unique ecological characteristics and the needs of its local population.
 CHAPTER 3

3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Nigeria's coastal landscape comprises various landforms like beaches, spits, lagoons, deltas,
estuaries, and mangroves that provide ecosystem services such as fisheries, tourism, and natural
disaster protection. The 850km coastline has promising economic potential in oil and gas,
tourism, and fishing industries. However, environmental challenges like erosion, pollution, and
climate change threaten its ecological and economic sustainability, and the government needs to
develop strategies for coastal erosion management, pollution control, climate change adaptation,
sustainable tourism development, and fisheries management to address these issues.

3.1 Conclusions:

Nigeria's coastal geomorphology offers enormous economic potential in terms of fisheries,

tourism, and oil and gas resources. The coast also plays a crucial role in protecting the hinterland
from natural disasters such as floods and storm surges. However, the coast faces significant
challenges such as erosion, pollution, and climate change, which threaten its ecological and
economic sustainability.

3.2 Recommendations:

1. Coastal erosion management: The Nigerian government needs to develop comprehensive

coastal erosion management strategies to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion on
infrastructure and coastal communities.
2. Pollution control: The government should enforce strict regulations to control pollution
from industrial and domestic sources that degrade the quality of coastal waters and harm
marine life.
3. Climate change adaptation: The Nigerian government should prioritize climate change
adaptation strategies that include coastal protection measures, reforestation, and the
promotion of climate-smart agriculture practices.
4. Sustainable tourism development: The government should promote sustainable tourism
development that prioritizes environmental conservation, community participation, and
cultural heritage preservation.
5. Fisheries management: The government should implement sustainable fisheries
management practices that ensure the long-term viability of fish stocks and provide
support for small-scale fishers.
REFERENCE

Environmental challenges and opportunities of the Niger Delta. In Environmental challenges in

the Mediterranean 2000-2050 (pp. 267-282). Springer, Dordrecht.

Ifeanyichukwu E. Otuonye and Paul E. Onoduku. "Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts

of Oil Exploration and Production in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria." Journal of Environment
and Earth Science 6, no. 8 (2016): 96-110

Kusimo, T. F., Adedeji, O. H., & Owoyemi, T. O. (2019). Geomorphic impacts of anthropogenic
activities on the Lagos coastal zone, Nigeria. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 23(1), 71-83.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-018-0668-6

Oladipo, E.O. and Olaoye, O.A. (2017). "Nigeria's Coastal Morphology and Economic
Development." Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International, 9(4): 1-10.

Olayinka, O. (2020). Geography of Nigeria: An Overview. In V. O. Olorunfemi, & O. D.

Daramola (Eds.), Routledge Handbook of Nigeria (pp. 3-18). Routledge.

Oladipo, E. O., & Omoboriowo, A. O. (2013). Assessment of the impacts of climate change on
Nigeria's coastal zone. Journal of Environmental Protection, 4(8), 860-869.
https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2013.48100

Sexton, M., & Murday, K. (2006). Coastal landforms of Nigeria. Geographical Review, 96(1),
91-111.