THE ROLE OF HUMAN ACTIVITY AS A CAUSATIVE AGENT TO RECENT FLOODING IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA IN 2024

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

On a global scale, flooding constitutes a problem that the magnitude, frequency and resultant economic losses has risen by about five-fold over the past five decades (Møller-Jensen et al., 2022). It is also the most prevalent and severe disaster in Nigeria (Echendu, 2020). It constitutes a setback to development because of its wide-ranging impacts that can derail decades of progress and development (ibid). The economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts have also risen significantly, highlighting the necessity for up-to-date research and consolidated approaches to manage flood risk (Njoya et al., 2022; Echendu, 2022a). The southern part of Nigeria is especially highly exposed to flooding which is principally rainfall induced (Amaechina et al., 2022; Echendu, 2022).

Inarguably, flooding is a multiplex issue because of the various causes, types and impact. Nigeria principally experiences fluvial and pluvial flooding (Echendu, 2022). Fluvial flooding also known as river flooding happens when a river overflows its banks due to excess rainfall or snowmelt over a period. Pluvial flooding occurs when heavy rainfall leads to flooding even in the absence of a close by water body. It can happen even in highland areas located above river or coastal floodplains. The impacts of flooding are wide-ranging. In urban areas, the impacts are even more pronounced due to the concentration of human and economic activities (Echendu, 2020; Echendu and Georgeou, 2021). Flooding impacts the global goals of sustainable development as a result of its crisscrossing impacts that range from social, economic to environmental (Echendu, 2020). The sustainable development goal (SDG) 11 of sustainable cities and settlements cannot be achieved in a situation of recurrent destructive annual flooding. SDG 11 is aimed at making human settlements and cities safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Flooded communities are a setback to achieving SDG 11 as floods degrade the environment and cause economic and social hardship (Echendu, 2020). Some of the impacts of flooding are also unquantifiable, for instance, psychological impacts remain long after the waters have receded.

Analysis of flooding events reveal the difficulty of attributing a single factor to flooding events especially in the presence of planning and governance failures in spatial management (Akukwe Thecla, 2014; Echendu and Georgeou, 2021). Matter of fact, flooding can be caused by human factors, natural factors, or a combination of both (Ting, 2022). Research has linked flooding in Nigeria to a mix of human and climatic factors. A single factor such as high rainfall can also cause different types of flooding. For example, higher than normal rainfall can lead to fluvial flooding when water overflows its banks and also cause pluvial flooding where available infrastructure cannot handle water volumes (Ting, 2022). Understanding and responding to flooding in Nigeria is very critical due to the sheer number of people impacted by flooding. 

Being Africa's biggest population of over 208 million people (Echendu and Georgeou, 2021), it is estimated that more than 20% of Nigeria’s population is exposed to flooding (Echendu, 2022). As of 2022, more than half of Nigeria's population, 133 million people lived in absolute poverty (Erezi, 2022). The rising population of the poor and significant exposure of Nigerians to flooding deserves attention because recurrent flooding disasters entrenches poverty while poverty worsens vulnerability to flooding (Echendu, 2020, 2022). In fact, population growth and increasing vulnerability are drivers of change that worsen flood impacts (Bruijn et al., 2022). The human factors that have been identified as drivers of flooding in Nigeria include poor planning and non-compliance to planning regulations, poor waste management, and poor storm water infrastructure including drainage infrastructure (Echendu, 2022a). High rainfall, on the other hand has been identified as a climatic factor driving flooding in Nigeria.

Human activity is the primary source of flooding in Nigeria, as a result of inadequate urban planning approaches and insufficient environmental infrastructure, which both contribute to and worsen the situation (Asiedu, 2022). The absence of a comprehensive national Flood Risk Management (FRM) plan and detailed flood risk maps in Nigeria indicates a lack of sufficient attention being given to the subject of flooding (Olusola, 2022). These findings indicate that implementing effective flood risk management strategies, such as robust spatial planning and infrastructure, may mitigate the adverse impact of floods on Nigeria's sustainable development (Babamaaji, 2021). In Nigeria's recent history, the year 2024 is seeing a series of extremely destructive floods incidents. Prolonged and intense precipitation, intensified mostly by human activities, resulted in extensive flooding in multiple areas. Urban centres, coastal regions, and rural settlements are the main locations that are impacted. The floods disproportionately affected vulnerable people, especially those residing in low-lying areas and informal settlements. The objective of this study is to assess the social and economic consequences of flooding on vulnerable communities in Nigeria in the year 2024.

Flooding has become an increasingly frequent and severe problem in Lagos State, Nigeria, with significant socio-economic and environmental consequences. While natural factors such as heavy rainfall and rising sea levels play a role in these flooding events, human activities have significantly contributed to the increased frequency and intensity of floods (Ezenwa et al., 2022). Lagos State, located along the southwestern coast of Nigeria, is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world. The state's geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall, storm surges, and rising sea levels. In recent years, the impact of flooding has been exacerbated by human activities such as rapid urbanization, poor waste management, and inadequate infrastructure (Charles, 2024). In 2024, Lagos State experienced severe flooding that highlighted the critical role of human activities in exacerbating the problem. It is at this backdrop that this study tends to address the role of human activity as an agent of the recent flooding in Lagos in 2024. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The flooding incidents that occurred in Lagos State, Nigeria in 2024 have sparked worries regarding the contribution of human activity as a causal factor. Lagos, a metropolitan area experiencing tremendous growth, is confronted with mounting difficulties arising from its geographical location, climate fluctuation, and intensive human activity. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the precise methods by which human activities contribute to flooding is essential for implementing successful solutions to reduce its impact and adapt to it.

The annual flooding in Lagos is caused by the growth of the city and the expansion of urban areas, which leads to the blocking of natural water channels, uncontrolled land reclamation, and filling of lagoons with sand. Additionally, historical activities such as dredging and sea reclamation have been carried out to expand the urban territory. In 2019, the built-up regions in Lagos accounted for almost 50% of the land use, which is twice the amount recorded in 2000 (Kasim and others, 2021, Figure 2). The alteration has subsequently resulted in a rise in the susceptible regions to inundation, expanding from 1 percent of the urban area in 2000 to over 35 percent in 2019 (Kasim and others, 2021). Lagos, being an already overcrowded city, experiences an annual population growth rate of 5.7%. This, coupled with insufficient law enforcement, regulations, and poor land-use planning, has resulted in the development of informal settlements in wetlands and waterways. As a consequence, natural drainage systems have been replaced by impermeable surfaces, increasing the risk of flooding in these areas (Adelekan, 2010; Adeloye and Rustum, 2011; Dano et al., 2020). Furthermore, the primary cause of the decline in coastal ecosystems that are crucial for coastal protection and the resilience of coastal populations is the expansion of urban areas into wetlands and floodplains. Over the past ten years, urbanisation in Lagos has led to the loss of 59 percent of its wetlands. This loss has directly contributed to a reduction in flood protection capacity and has exacerbated the flood problem in the area (Israel, 2021).

Poor waste management is a major anthropogenic factor that worsens the preexisting flooding problem in Lagos (Ojo and Adejugbagbe 2017). The insufficient attitude of Nigerians towards waste management has been well analysed in several research studies (Eneji et al. 2016; Ojo and Adejugbagbe 2017; Olukanni, Adebayo, and Tenebe 2014; Sridhar and Ojediran 1983). Drainage obstacles in densely populated metropolitan zones of Nigeria are closely linked to insufficient sanitation standards. A considerable portion of the population regularly partakes in the practice of disposing waste along roadsides, in canals, and during periods of rainfall. This results in obstruction and flooding during the rainy season (Onwuemele 2012).

In addition, Olabisi (2024) asserts that the swift increase in population in Lagos has resulted in the enlargement of informal settlements and susceptible populations in places prone to flooding. These populations frequently have insufficient infrastructure and resources to effectively deal with flooding, which worsens the social and economic consequences. Banjo (2024) argues that the development of infrastructure including as roads, buildings, and drainage systems in Lagos modifies the original natural environment, which can potentially disturb the normal flow of water and lead to an increase in surface runoff. Inadequately designed infrastructure can exacerbate the effects of floods by channelling water flow and diminishing the ability of the ground to absorb water (Denrele, 2023). Therefore, the necessity for doing this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the role of human activity as a causative agent to recent flooding in Lagos State, Nigeria in 2024. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To determine whether there is any relationship between human activities and recent flooding in Lagos in 2024

To analyze the specific human activities contributing to flooding in Lagos State, Nigeria in 2024.

To assess the impacts of urbanization, infrastructure development, waste management practices, and climate change on flood risks.

To identify gaps in current practices related to flood mitigation and adaptation in Lagos state.

To recommend strategies for sustainable urban planning, improved infrastructure, and community resilience measures to reduce flood risks in Lagos State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

Is there is any relationship between human activities and recent flooding in Lagos in 2024?

What are the human activities contributing to flooding in Lagos State, Nigeria in 2024?

What are the impacts of urbanization, infrastructure development, waste management practices, and climate change on flood risks?

What are the gaps in current practices related to flood mitigation and adaptation in Lagos state?

What strategies can be implemented for sustainable urban planning, improved infrastructure, and community resilience measures to reduce flood risks in Lagos State?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses will validate this study;

Ho: There is no significant relationship between human activities and recent flooding in Lagos in 2024.

Ha: There is significant relationship between human activities and recent flooding in Lagos in 2024.

1.6 Significance of the study

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the impact of human activities on flooding in Lagos State is crucial for formulating efficient approaches to minimise and adjust to forthcoming flood hazards. This study offers valuable insights on how to build resilience against climate impacts by improving urban development, infrastructure design, and environmental management methods. The primary objective of this research is to support sustainable development goals by advocating for resilient and inclusive urban settings in response to the difficulties posed by climate change. This report will serve as a crucial benchmark for governments, vulnerable groups, students, and researchers.

In addition, future scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current academic literature. Hence, students who aspire to delve into this field of study can confidently depend on this book as a reliable and meticulously evaluated source of information.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the role of human activity as a causative agent to recent flooding in Nigeria in 2024. Specifically, this study seeks to determine whether there is any relationship between human activities and recent flooding in Nigeria in 2024 Nigeria in 2024, assess the impacts of urbanization, infrastructure development, waste management practices, and climate change on flood risks and analyze the specific human activities contributing to flooding in Nigeria in 2024. Further, this study will focus on identifying gaps in current practices related to flood mitigation and adaptation in Nigeria in 2024 and it also seeks to recommend strategies for sustainable urban planning, improved infrastructure, and community resilience measures to reduce flood risks in Nigeria in 2024.

The study is carried in Maryland, Lagos.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is common in all human endeavors, the researchers faced minor limitations when conducting the study. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available for assess the role of human activity as a causative agent to recent flooding in Lagos State, Nigeria in 2024. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate materials, books, or information and to gather data. 

Additionally, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing just on Lagos state. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for further research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Flood pattern: Flood pattern" refers to the correlation and relationship between various parameters, such as rainfall and temperature, that contribute to the occurrence and severity of floods.

Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live in the city.

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