About the Lab
Hydro-climate Hazards & Wetlands Resilience Lab - Advancing Science for Climate Adaptation
Background & Rationale
The Hydro-climate Hazards & Wetlands Resilience Lab (HHWRL) was established in 2025 to advance research and innovation at the intersection of hydrological extremes, wetland ecosystems, and climate change impacts across Nigeria's coastal and inland regions.
Nigeria faces unprecedented challenges from intensifying hydro-climate hazards—including catastrophic flooding, drought, and sea level rise—that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities and critical wetland ecosystems. These hazards threaten livelihoods, infrastructure, and biodiversity while creating cascading risks across water, food, and economic security.
Nigeria's wetlands—moderating floods, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting rural livelihoods—are increasingly threatened. Evidence-based science is essential for understanding these complex dynamics and developing effective adaptation strategies that protect communities while sustaining natural capital.
Key Challenge
"Nigeria's wetlands—moderating floods, sustaining biodiversity, supporting rural livelihoods—face unprecedented threats from climate variability and anthropogenic pressures."
Vision & Mission
Vision
To be the authoritative voice on hydro-climate hazards and wetland resilience in West Africa—advancing evidence-based science, informing policy, and building adaptive capacity for climate-resilient communities.
Mission
To conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative solutions, and build capacity in hydro-climate science and wetland management to support climate adaptation and resilience across Nigeria and West Africa.
Core Values
Excellence
Pursuing scientific rigor and innovation
Collaboration
Building partnerships for greater impact
Impact
Creating evidence-based solutions
Innovation
Advancing frontiers of climate science
Research Objectives
Understand Hydro-Climate Processes
Elucidate the complex interactions between hydrological systems, wetland dynamics, and climate variability to improve predictive capabilities.
Assess Hazards & Vulnerabilities
Map and quantify hydro-climate hazards and community vulnerabilities across Nigeria, identifying hotspots of risk and exposure.
Develop Resilience Solutions
Co-develop evidence-based adaptation and resilience strategies with communities, governments, and stakeholders.
Build Scientific Capacity
Train the next generation of researchers and practitioners in hydro-climate science, data analysis, and climate adaptation.
Facilities & Capabilities
Computing
- High-performance computing cluster
- GIS analysis workstations
- Climate modeling software suite
- Data processing infrastructure
Team Overview
12
Core Researchers
8
PhD Students
15
Master's Students
5
Partner Organizations