V2I8P7

Climate Adaptation and Housing Provision in Nigeria: A Case Study of Lagos State

Otobo Victor Amhenya^1*, Ealofoh Dominic E², Bassy Ayi Effiong¹, Usidemen Omokhafe Taye Gopar¹, Wuchirwe  Ezekiel¹, Edeani Emmanuel Chiagozie¹

Abstract

Climate change has become an urgent global concern, posing substantial risks to housing security, urban infrastructure, and human settlements, particularly in developing countries. Nigeria, and specifically Lagos State, is increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced challenges such as sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and extreme heat events due to its geographical location, high population density, and rapid urbanization. This study investigates the interface between climate adaptation and housing provision in Lagos State by examining how climate risks are being addressed through housing policies, planning frameworks, and community-based responses. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating structured household surveys (n = 400), key informant interviews with housing and urban planning officials, and secondary data from government and environmental reports. Findings revealed that 73% of respondents reported direct impacts of climate-related events primarily flooding on their housing within the past five years. Yet, only 18% had implemented any structural or behavioral climate-adaptive measures. Informal settlements where over 60% of residents live were especially vulnerable, with 67% lacking access to adequate drainage systems. Despite national and state-level adaptation strategies, most housing provisions remain reactive, fragmented, and disproportionately serve middle- and upper-income households. Further analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between income level and adaptive housing capacity, indicating that socio-economic inequality amplifies climate vulnerability. Community-led interventions, though underfunded and localized, offered promising frameworks for scalable, inclusive adaptation. The study concludes that a transformative approach—incorporating resilient architecture, land-use planning, inclusive policy, and access to climate finance is essential to bridge Nigeria’s housing adaptation gap. Lagos State, as a microcosm of Nigeria’s urban climate challenges, underscores the urgent need for coordinated multi-level responses to build sustainable, climate-resilient cities.

Keywords:

Climate Change, Housing Provision, Urban Resilience, Climate Adaptation, Lagos State, Informal Settlements, Flood Risk, Climate Vulnerability, Sustainable Urban Development, Nigeria