Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Flood hazard mapping and risk management are critical components of urban planning and disaster preparedness, especially in flood-prone areas like Lagos State, Nigeria. This research project aims to develop a comprehensive flood hazard map for selected parts of Lagos State and propose effective strategies for flood risk management in the region. The study will utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to analyze various factors that contribute to flood hazards, including topography, land use, drainage systems, and historical flood data. By integrating these data layers, a detailed flood hazard map will be created to identify areas at high risk of flooding. In addition to mapping flood hazards, the research will also focus on developing risk management strategies to mitigate the impact of flooding in the study area. This will involve assessing the vulnerability of infrastructure, buildings, and communities to flood events, as well as identifying potential adaptation measures to enhance resilience. Community engagement will be a key aspect of the research, as local knowledge and input are essential for developing effective flood risk management plans. Stakeholder consultations, focus group discussions, and surveys will be conducted to gather insights from residents, local authorities, and other relevant parties. The findings of this research project will provide valuable information for policymakers, urban planners, and emergency responders to better understand and address flood risks in Lagos State. The flood hazard map and risk management strategies developed in this study can be used to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the region. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the sustainable development of Lagos State by enhancing its resilience to flood hazards and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. By integrating scientific data, community knowledge, and stakeholder engagement, this study seeks to promote a holistic approach to flood risk management that considers both technical and social dimensions.

Thesis Overview

flood hazard mapping : The prevalence of flooding within Nigeria which has been generally attributed to climate change and poor urban planningis an issue of critical importance within the context of national development.Over the period 1985 to 2014, flooding in Nigeria has affected more than 11 million lives with a total of 1100 deaths and property damage exceeding US$17 billion. Although more frequent floods are recorded in Niger, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano and Jigawa states possibly due to the influence of rivers Niger, Benue, Ogun and Hadeja, Lagos state seems to have experienced most of the floods in the country. With rapid population growth and urbanization in the country the risk of flooding to human lives and properties assumes critical dimensions.Critically, poor awareness of the hazard is a major impasse towards its management. This creates a significant gap in the knowledge of how to improve on the current efforts towards addressing the challenges of flooding in Nigeria. Since attempts to tackle the hazard appear to be limited, the present study is driven by the need to identify those limitations in the flood management efforts in Nigeria. Possible way-forward are suggested based on a critical review of flooding and its management in Nigeria, allied with globally acknowledged ‘best practices’ in flood risk reduction and lessons learned from other countries’ experiences of flooding.