CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND NATIONAL WATER POLICIES ON FLOODING RISK MANAGEMENT: ANALYTICAL EXPERIENCE FROM OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Empirically, studies have shown that persistent climate change has increased the frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria, threatening lives, infrastructure, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development across the country, from the North to the South and from the East to the West. Thus, this paper proposes a synthesised analytical framework that examines the role of, and adaptation measures for, climate change adaptation and national water policies, as well as flood resilience, in Osun State. The study adopts a qualitative systematic literature review, drawing on secondary data from peer-reviewed journal articles, government policy documents, and reports from national and international organisations. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis based on the paper's themes. Findings reveal that ineffective policy implementation, inadequate funding, weak institutional coordination, poor regulatory enforcement, rapid urbanization, and limited community participation continue to undermine flood risk management efforts. The review also highlights that integrated water resources management, ecosystem-based adaptation, strengthened early warning systems, and collaborative governance significantly enhance resilience to flooding in Osun State. The study concludes that flood risk management requires stronger policy and institutional coordination on implementation of national water policies and climate adaptation strategies to reduce vulnerability and promote sustainable environmental governance in Osun State