VULNERABILITIES OF REAL ESTATE SECTOR TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA

Authors

Nkechinyere Anthonia Abugu Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Banki Thomas Chunwate Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Muyiwa Olaitan Odele Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, United Kingdom

Climate Change Vulnerability, Real Estate Sector, Flood Risk Management, Climate Adaptation Strategies, Sustainable Urban Development

The real estate sector in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is increasingly

vulnerable to climate change impacts, posing significant risks to properties, investments, and

human settlements. This study investigates the vulnerabilities of the real estate sector to climate

change in the FCT, and identifies adaptation strategies employed by real estate enterprises. A

survey design was used, and data were collected from firms through household questionnaires,

focus group discussions, expert interviews and observations. A stratified and simple random

sampling techniques were used to select 60 estate development firms for the study. Data analyses

were conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Spearman correlation

coefficient, standard deviation, and Z-score, to generate descriptive statistics, rank variables, and

perform comparative analyses. The findings reveal that flooding is the most pressing climate-related

issue affecting the sector, ranked 1st with a Z-score of 1.47, followed by reduced property values,

property damage and loss, and inadequate climate change policies. Moreover, the study shows that

the FCT's real estate enterprises adapt to climate change through flood protection measures,

climate-resilient building designs, renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, and

green infrastructure. This study concluded that the real estate sector in the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT), Nigeria, is highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly flooding. The study

recommends investing in flood risk management infrastructure and developing climate-resilient

building codes and policies to promote sustainable development in the FCT's real estate sector and

beyond.