INTEGRATED FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT AND URBAN LIVEABILITY

Urban development in Nigeria lacks proper coordination, and therefore, cities in coastal areas are at a higher risk of flooding due to increased urbanisation and climate change.

INTEGRATED FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT AND URBAN LIVEABILITY IN NIGERIA’S COASTAL CITIES: INSIGHTS FROM IBEJU-LEKKI
CORRIDOR
OGUNSESAN Abimbola Simiat* & BOLUKALE Oluwatoyin, PhD

Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author: abimbolaolasunmibo@gmail.com

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, rising sea levels, and unpredictable rainfall patterns have worsened flood risk in Nigeria’s coastal areas. The Ibeju-Lekki corridor of Lagos has become one of the most vulnerable regions. The July 2024 flood event flooded major roads and disrupted socioeconomic activities (Adelekan et al., 2024). This paper presents a framework for mainstreaming flood risk management (FRM) into urban liveability planning. The goal is to build resilience in Ibeju-Lekki and other coastal regions. This paper presents an Integrated Flood Risk Management and Liveability Framework (IFRMLF) by synthesizing recent literature, spatial analyses, and policy documents. The framework integrates structural and non-structural measures, as well as social inclusion and governance reforms. The framework aligns with modern methods that emphasize ecosystem-based adaptation, sustainable drainage systems, and community-driven risk governance. Research on Lagos's coastal districts shows that inadequate drainage, unregulated development, and institutional fragmentation increase flood exposure. The proposed IFRMLF suggests hybrid interventions. These include green infrastructure, such as bioswales, retention basins, and wetland restoration; participatory land-use planning; early-warning systems; and flood-resilient housing design. The approach further incorporates liveability indicators. These include health, mobility, and access to basic services. This helps assess the trade-offs that are characteristic of resilience. This study integrates resilience theory and principles of urban liveability. It provides policy recommendations to local authorities and planning commissions. These support coping with recurrent floods and maintaining socio-economic well-being. Ibeju-Lekki presents a case that demonstrates the potential of integrated, community-based flood management. Such management can enhance the sustainability and livability of Global South coastal cities.

Keywords: Flood Risk Management; Urban Liveability; Coastal Resilience; Ibeju-Lekki Corridor.