Geological Hazards and Risk Assessment in Nigeria – A Review

Abstract

Nigeria faces significant challenges from geological hazards, including landslides, gully erosion, flooding, coastal erosion, drought, desertification, and minor seismic tremors. These hazards are driven by a combination of natural factors, such as geological structures, climatic conditions, and human activities, including deforestation, urbanization, and poor land-use practices. The impacts of these hazards are far-reaching, affecting economic development, social stability, and environmental sustainability. This review highlights the need for a comprehensive national geological hazard risk assessment and mitigation framework that incorporates both structural and non-structural measures. Effective mitigation strategies require a combination of engineering solutions, policy instruments, land-use planning, institutional strengthening, and public awareness. Recent advances in geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) offer opportunities to improve hazard monitoring and assessment. However, addressing the challenges of data limitations, infrastructure constraints, and institutional fragmentation will be crucial to reducing the risks associated with geological hazards in Nigeria. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating geological hazard mitigation into national development planning, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development initiatives.