Climate-Resilient Design Strategies for Flood-Prone Infrastructure in the Niger Delta Region

Abstract

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria faces escalating flood risks attributed to climate change, poor urban drainage, and land subsidence from hydrocarbon extraction. This paper presents a framework of climate-resilient design strategies for infrastructure assets in flood-prone areas of the Niger Delta. Drawing on case studies from Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States, the research identifies key vulnerabilities in existing road, bridge, and building infrastructure and proposes design interventions including elevated foundations, permeable pavements, flood retention basins, and early warning systems. The proposed framework was validated through expert panels comprising 22 engineers and urban planners. The study contributes to growing literature on climate adaptation in infrastructure engineering for coastal developing nations.