An Integrated Ward-Level Analysis of Environmental Exposure and Health Vulnerability in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63746/njtd.v23i1.4388Keywords:
Hazards, Urban vulnerability, Informal settlement, Environmental risk, PollutionAbstract
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory has experienced urban expansion, notably spurred by rural-urban migration, resulting in growing health vulnerabilities in underserved communities. The problem of growing environmental hazards and the associated health risks has not been properly researched and dimensioned in the FCT. This study investigated environmental exposure and urban health vulnerability across informal settlements in 15 Wards of Abuja Municipal, Bwari, and Gwagwalada Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The research employed a quantitative design, combining household data from 1,137 questionnaires administered to residents on exposure to ceiling materials, solid waste management methods, and drinking water quality. In addition to the household data, field environmental samples (air, noise, and water) were collected and tested both on-site and in the laboratory to determine constituent concentrations. A Composite Vulnerability Index (CVI) was constructed from the six datasets, consolidating all variables into a single dataset for each ward within the study area. The findings show that values across the study area range from 0.32 to 0.91, with Zuba identified as the most vulnerable ward due to significant levels of air, water, and noise pollutants. The study recommends using health hazard communication tools for low-literacy populations, as well as community safety audits and local health hazard awareness index cards in highly vulnerable wards, to reduce health risks and improve residents' well-being.
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