Paper short abstract:

The study seeks to know how government at all levels respond to flood and its attendant humanitarian crises in Lagos State

Paper long abstract:

Flooding has often been described as one of the possible outcomes of climate change. Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, has overtime been known to suffer from flood disaster. Reasons for this ranges from overpopulation, to topography and increased construction activities making some areas lie below sea level. With projected increase in global population and sustained migration to urban areas, the issue of flood disasters calls for serious attention, as it has demonstrated the capacity to wreak serious havoc. The effect of flood leaves victims more vulnerable and sometimes make them internally displaced. The poor socio-economic conditions that may become of victims of flood disasters, if government does not effectively address this issue, makes an inquiry into how government at all levels respond to flood and its attendant humanitarian crises in Lagos State compelling.

Precisely, the study seeks to know the nature of humanitarian crises arising from flood disasters. What are the governmental structures and frameworks involved in the management of flood-induced humanitarian crises in Lagos? How do relations between structures across levels of government impact the management of flood-related crises in the state? And what are the challenges affecting the management of flood-induced humanitarian crises in the state?

Using an exploratory research design, the study through semi-structured interviews gathers perspectives from officials drawn from governmental actors at different levels, non-governmental organisations, journalists, policy think tanks and the state parliament. The study's findings enlighten understanding on strategies necessary towards overcoming flood-induced humanitarian disasters in one of Africa's economic heartlands.