Thirteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

This paper evaluates the systemic environmental health and socioeconomic risks and benefits of a critical transport infrastructure investment and the implications for resilience and inclusive regional development in Nigeria. Using the Kaduna-Abuja and Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway as cases, the paper raises a fundamental question on how improving critical infrastructure governance is central to infrastructure resilience and responsible adaptation behaviour of the people. The findings show that there are critical hotspots that may undermine the resilience of the rail system, causing disruptions. There is a need for proactive and coordinated planning response and recovery operations for minimal disruption of services. Moreover, multiple actors are affected by the construction and operations of the infrastructure. The risks and benefits of the infrastructure need to be well coordinated for social, economic and environmental sustainability. Addressing pollution and climate related challenges posed by urbanization through investment in critical urban infrastructures must be systemic and local evidence based. The willingness to take holistic actions is still very discouraging in Nigeria and other developing countries with peculiar conditions.