ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF EXTREME HYDROLOGICAL EVENTS AND FLOOD VULNERABILITY IN LOKOGOMA COMMUNITY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

community in Abuja, Nigeria. With rapid urbanisation and the accompanying destruction of natural 
vegetation and expansion of impervious surfaces, the area has become increasingly susceptible to surface 
runoff and recurrent flooding. The study adopts a mixed-method approach comprising field observations, 
community surveys, and interviews with residents and local authorities to assess both the causes and 
consequences of flooding events, and analysed the data with an Excel-based hazard identification working 
tool developed by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS). Findings revealed that 
flood is the most devastating hazard, with an exposure index of 63.33% and a hazard impact index of 
77.5%. The second most impactful hazard is drought, with an exposure index of 40%, and a hazard impact 
index of 42.5%, while the overall exposure index for extreme hydrological hazards in Lokogoma is 
32.67%. Physical capital, particularly infrastructure, has the highest vulnerability index of 77.08%.  The 
socio-economic impacts are widespread, including the destruction of residential buildings, loss of personal 
property, disruption of livelihoods, and power outages resulting from damaged installations, and was 
estimated at over ₦1,000,000 per household. Furthermore, the study highlights the psychological toll on 
residents, who experience stress, trauma, and displacement during flood events. The study recommends 
collaborative efforts between Lokogoma residents and local authorities to develop and implement a 
comprehensive flood management plan. This should include constructing new drainage systems, 
maintaining existing infrastructure, and promoting flood-resilient building practices to enhance the 
community’s adaptive capacity.