AN IN-DEPTH EXAMINATION OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS OF FLOODING IN LAGOS STATE ( A FOCUS ON 2024)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Flooding is a prevalent occurrence on the Earth's surface, and it has been extensively defined by numerous scientists and organisations. The occurrence of flooding has significantly impeded human progress, mostly affecting locations with low elevation, particularly in coastal regions worldwide (Chorley, 2017). According to Doocy, Daniels, Murray, and Kirsch (2013), flooding can be attributed to both natural processes and human actions. Natural processes encompass the influx of excessive moisture from intense precipitation and the melting of snow in the spring, accompanied by heavy rainfall. On the other hand, human activities pertain to the modifications made by mankind to the hydrological cycle of the river and drainage system, such as the manipulation of dams, deforestation, land reclamation, and inadequate soil management. 

In the past, Nigerians faced recurring issues of periodic flooding, leading to economic losses and reduced  productivity. In Lagos state, flood has remained a worrisome natural problem which successive governments in the state could not effectively solve (Olajuyigbe, Rotowa and Durojaye,2023). Many parts of Lagos State have been subject to regular flooding, due to either heavy rains, dam breakage and blockage of the channels and when soil and vegetation cannot absorb all the water, the excess water then runs off the land in quantities that cannot be carried in streams, channels or retained in natural ponds and constructed reservoirs such as dams.

The recurring issue of flooding in Lagos state has resulted in significant devastation and challenges for the residents of the community, including the damage of agricultural land, structures, and loss of life and property. The roads have become inundated with water, rendering them impassable and severely limiting the mobility of individuals in the area. Additionally, flooding has a significant impact on various parts of the human environment. These encompass  financial endeavours, as well as residential areas and way of life. Beyond that,  danger to people's means of living, including physical, social, and economic threats, are present, and those affected have psychological consequences. 

According to Aderoju et al (2014) flooding can result in land pollution, which in turn can contribute to the spread of diseases and infections. The Lagos has been significantly impacted by flooding. Flooded districts incurred significant social and emotional expenses. The expenses encompassed in this context comprise the forced removal from residences, the deprivation of personal possessions, and the persistent anxiety and lack of safety resulting from the ordeal. Water supplies that could be easily carried were contaminated and became unavailable during times of flooding. Moreover, the functioning of the school system was hindered due to the challenges in communication and individual mobility. While the majority of individuals expressed dissatisfaction with the negative consequences of floods, a few individuals found solace in the situation and offered prayers, recognising the potential benefits that could arise for those impacted. For instance, transporters raising transport fares in order to generate additional revenue. 

Moreover, the recurring flooding in Lagos state has compelled the residents to construct canals, elevate the foundations of their buildings, fill their complexes with sand, produce crops that can withstand water, and harvest their crops earlier than usual. Over time, governments and non-governmental organisations have made efforts to establish drainage systems, allocate funds, and develop policies in order to mitigate the impact of flooding. Despite employing various coping mechanisms, the majority of individuals in Lagos are unable to effectively manage the situation and have been compelled to move from their homes. Against this backdrop, a survey will be conducted in order to examine the socioeconomic impacts of flooding in Lagos state.

Statement of the Problem

Floods have been identified as a significant and destructive issue in several areas of the economy. Some of the social and economic implications on the environment include the occurrence of health problems, infrastructure failure, mental health effects, building collapse, and the destruction of agricultural farmland and products.  The flood problem in Lagos State is a significant environmental concern. Despite the efforts made by successive administrations to mitigate flood incidents, there are still reported incidences of flooding. In 2010, The Nigerian Punch reported on the issue of flooding in Lagos, Nigeria. The story provided a comprehensive account of the regular instances of flooding in many areas including Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ipaja-Ayobo, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, and Agiliti. The floods led to the displacement of individuals from their regular residences, resulting in diverse effects on infrastructure, crops, health, education, environment, and property destruction.

Recently, there was a recurring issue of flooding in Lagos as a result of a 10 hours heavy rainfall in  many parts of Lagos and Ogun states in July 2nd, 2024. According to Punch (2024), the downpour resulted in a collapse of two-storey building in the Mushin area of Lagos, grounded vehicular movement on the roads and overwhelmed thousands of residents while pupils could not attend schools in parts of the states. Additionally, roads were flooded thereby making them unmotorable and so restricting the movement of people in the area.

Despite the abundance of published literature on floods, there has been a lack of sufficient research on the socio-economic effects of flooding in Oleh. For instance, Lawanson, Proverbs and Ibrahim (2022) conducted a study on flooding in Makoko, but their focus was solely on the impact of flooding on poor communities and pov-erty levels, while disregarding other socioeconomic activities. Nevertheless, there has not been a thorough investigation on the effects of floods on the socio-economic activities of the people in Lagos state, despite the frequent and severe occurrences of flooding. Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to examinee the socioeconomic impacts of flooding in Lagos state.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examinee the socioeconomic impacts of flooding in Lagos state. Specifically, the study will;

Assess the impact of flooding on employment opportunities among residents of Lagos State.

Examine the factors contributing to flooding in Lagos State.

Evaluate the effects of flooding on access to education in Lagos State.

the effects of flooding on healthcare services in Lagos State.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Does flooding impact employment opportunities among residents of Lagos State?

What factors contribute to flooding in Lagos State?

Does flooding affect access to education in Lagos State?

Does flooding affect healthcare services in Lagos State?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Flooding has no significant impact on the socioeconomic activities in Lagos state.

Ha: Flooding has  significant impacts on the socioeconomic activities in Lagos state.  

1.6 Significance of the Study

Local government authorities will use the findings to improve urban infrastructure, including drainage systems, in order to effectively manage floodwaters and safeguard vulnerable business districts. Additionally, the study will offer practical advice on flood resilience techniques designed especially for micro enterprises. Moreover, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the socio-economic impacts of flooding in Lagos state.

1.6 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the socio-economic impacts of flooding in Lagos state. Empirically, this study will assess the impact of flooding on employment opportunities among residents, the factors contributing to flooding, and the effects of flooding on access to education and  healthcare services in Lagos State.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to residents of some selected local government area of Lagos state

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Flood: an overflow of water that submerges land which is usually dry. Floods can occur due to various reasons including heavy rain, rivers overflowing, dam breakages

Rainfall: the amount of rain that falls over a certain period in a specific area.

Drainage: a natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from an area.

Socioeconomic: refers to the combination of social and economic factors. It encompasses the way in which an individual's social status and economic conditions influence their overall quality of life and opportunities.