Climate change impacts are already evident in Lagos, but if left unmanaged or unchecked, more adverse impacts on various aspects of society in Lagos can be expected.

Due to its low-lying coastal geography, uncontrolled urbanization, and poor infrastructure, Lagos is highly vulnerable to flooding. Climate change can through for example, more frequent and intense rainfall events, amplify Lagos state’s susceptibility to flooding, potentially leading to loss of life and property. Flooding can contaminate water resources, but changes in precipitation patterns can contribute to or create threats to water safety and security, and thus increase the risks of food and waterborne illnesses. Other direct health risks such as but not only increased transmission of vector-borne diseases like malaria may arise from higher temperatures, heatwaves and other extreme weather events associated with climate change.

Though currently poorly quantified, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and even flooding is contributing to displacement of communities, disruption of industrial activities, agriculture, fisheries, transportation, and tourism, as well as damage to infrastructure and other critical assets located along the coastline, creating and or exaggerating economic challenges for affected populations. Climate change can stress existing infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drainage systems and utilities, which can in turn, potentially aggravate the impacts of extreme weather events. Increased temperatures can also lead to higher energy demands for cooling systems, exerting strain on an already overwhelmed power supply infrastructure.

Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, but like many other Nigerian cities, it has been poorly managed over the last several years creating a near-crisis situation. The city grapples with challenges such as inadequate housing-, which has given rise to extensive informal settlements and urban sprawl-, lack of basic services, entrenched infrastructural deficits and substandard living conditions. To mitigate or manage climate-related challenges in Lagos state, city managers must adequately understand and interact with these fundamental city-administration challenges. A set of focused action plans that lead to improved urban planning, sustainable infrastructure development, enhanced disaster preparedness and response, efficient water resource management, and community engagement can better position Lagos to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Urban planning and city management strategies must therefore, forthwith, prioritize climate resilience and sustainable development. Lagos needs effective management that can enforce regulations that deter uncontrolled, spurious settlement, especially in vulnerable areas such as coastal zones and floodplains. Other land use regulations and building guidelines/codes that consider climate risks and promote resilient construction practices across relevant sectors such as construction, coastal development, land use, and disaster management are also required.

Flood risk management is a priority, and it is important to upgrade, expand and maintain drainage systems to improve water flow and reduce the risk of urban flooding, especially in flood-prone areas. To protect vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas from sea-level rise and storm surges, and overall, enhance resilience against flooding, it is also vital to construct and maintain flood defences, such as barriers and embankments.   

Managers of the city can consider retrofitting existing infrastructure and buildings to be more resilient or better withstand extreme weather events such as floods and storms, but new buildings and critical infrastructure should be constructed using climate-resilient, sustainable designs and materials to withstand extreme weather events. Investment in green infrastructure and ecosystem restoration are likely to yield robust environmental and public health benefits and should be pursued. For example, ecosystems like mangroves, wetlands, and coastal vegetation can act as buffers against flooding, erosion, and storm impacts and as relevant, should be restored and preserved. Green infrastructure solutions such as the creation of urban green spaces, green roofs, permeable pavements and so on, can amongst other benefits minimize surface runoff and should also be explored.

Water conservation is integral to enhancing climate resilience, therefore, policies and other relevant efforts that contribute to efficient, responsible use of water, groundwater recharge, as well as protection of freshwater sources should be designed and implemented. Amongst other sustainable water resources management practices, water recycling, rainwater harvesting, optimization and adaptation of efficient irrigation technologies are some relevant practical approaches. Similarly, efficient waste management can foster a more sustainable and resilient city, and it is thus important to implement and sustain effective waste management strategies. Also, investing in and expanding access to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power can minimize dependence on central, (weak) energy grid in the city, contribute to mitigating climate change impacts, particularly long term, and can deliver multiple public health, economic and sustainable development benefits for Lagos and its residents. Government should, therefore, create better access to renewable energy sources in the city.

It is important to establish and maintain efficient early warning systems to alert and provide information to residents regarding impending extreme weather events. Government should however, facilitate not only preparedness, but timely evacuation and adaptation. Climate adaptation and resilience action plans should be incorporated into development strategies and policies across relevant sectors in the state, but it is important to develop and implement climate resilient regulations, policies, and action plans at local levels. Awareness campaigns, training programs and other capacity-building initiatives to contribute to resilience at the grassroots level should be considered. It is also vital to empower community leaders and other local authorities to efficiently respond to and manage climate related emergencies.

Finally, government must invest in research, innovation, and technology to develop or update climate resilient solutions and practices tailored specifically to address Lagos states’s climate challenges. Government and relevant stakeholders should act to strengthen data collection, monitoring and analysis systems to inform decision making. Contemporary, relevant risk assessment surveys and vulnerability analysis to characterise, identify and improve understanding of climate-related hazards and their potential impacts on communities and infrastructure are some relevant research needs. Overall, useful strategies should be implemented decisively, cohesively, and efficiently to minimise vulnerabilities, build resilience against the impacts of climate change and generally, better equip Lagos to cope with climate-related challenges.