MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ROAD INFRASTRUTURE IN LAGOS STATE

Global climate change-induced effects form part of the principal challenges confronting mankind in the recent years. The world is becoming more conscious of the fact that our ecosystem is not adapting naturally to the stresses caused by excessive and uncontrollable human activities. Many known effects of climate change on some sectors of the economy are already receiving appropriate evaluations with mitigation strategies being proffered. Some other areas of the economy, especially in the developing nations are scarcely considered. One of such area is the road infrastructure sector. In spite of the importance of transportation as a key driver and enabler of the economy, little research has been conducted around the world into how vulnerable it will be to climate change. Any unforeseen damage caused by climate change on the few and insufficient road infrastructure of developing nations will negatively impact the economy and severely retard economic growth. For these reasons, this research focuses on the consequences of global climate change on the road infrastructure network in Lagos State (Nigeria) and mitigation strategies. Data from the Nigeria Meterological Agency (NIMET) such as rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and pressure were analysed. Regression analysis was applied for predictions. Results obtained confirm that the road infrastructure in Lagos State is experiencing the basic features of climate change which urges for urgent mitigation and adaptive measures