Assessing Wetland Services in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Ajibola, M. O.; ONI, S. A.; Awodiran, O. O.

Abstract
Man’s perception about wetland has drastically changed from viewing the ecosystem as wasteland that can only be drained or sandfilled for economic uses. Apart from performing functional values, wetlands offer services that are both beneficial to man and the environment. In the light of this, the study examined wetland services in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Out of the one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaire administered on the respondent Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the study area, seventy-two (72) were retrieved out which fifty-five (55) respondents reported that they had participated in wetland valuation assignment in time past. It was these 55 that were used for analysis in the study. The study revealed that the components of wetland environment that are capable of assessment, using the market support approaches are mostly valued in the Niger Delta. It further revealed that flood control (RII = 3.81), cultural heritage (RII = 3.80), spiritual and inspiration (RII = 3.60) and erosion regulation (RII = 3.42) are very important services in the Niger Delta. Based on these findings, the study therefore recommends that Estate Surveyors and Valuers should give consideration to the services performed by wetlands when conducting valuation within such ecosystems.

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