Climate justice in land use planning: exploring the potential and challenges of nature-based solutions integration in Nigeria

Land use management stands at the forefront of addressing the intricate challenges posed by climate change while balancing societal needs and environmental sustainability. In the face of climate disasters, such as flooding, the urgency to reevaluate land management practices becomes paramount. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as a promising approach, leveraging natural resilience to mitigate climate change impacts, and offering additional benefits like biodiversity conservation and community well-being. However, the integration of NbS into urban planning raises critical considerations regarding climate justice. Concerns revolve around the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, with the risk of NbS disproportionately benefiting affluent communities. Moreover, the framing of NbS as alternatives or complements to technological solutions raises questions about perpetuating environmental injustices and exacerbating social inequalities. Long-term sustainability and management of NbS, coupled with the need for community engagement and participatory decision-making, further complicate the integration process. The Nigerian context exemplifies these challenges, with existing land use policies struggling to accommodate NbS principles amidst fragmentation and ambiguity. The Land Use Act of 1978 falls short in addressing the needs of stakeholders in informal settlements, perpetuating marginalization, and hindering effective climate adaptation efforts. Against this backdrop, this study aims to unravel specific barriers within Nigerian land use policies impeding NbS integration and climate adaptation. Through insights from policymakers, planners, and stakeholders, this research seeks to illuminate pathways for policy reforms fostering inclusive and effective climate adaptation strategies. Ultimately, the findings aspire to equip policymakers and planners with actionable insights to navigate Nigeria's complex climate adaptation landscape, promoting resilience and sustainability amid changing climatic conditions.