A new analysis assesses Nigeria progress in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), highlighting advances in disaster risk management while identifying major gaps in governance, preparedness, investment and risk assessment.
The report notes that Nigeria remains highly vulnerable to disasters, particularly floods, which continue to affect communities across the country. The devastating 2022 floods, which impacted 34 states, claimed more than 600 lives, displaced 1.4 million people and caused an estimated N4.2 trillion in economic losses, underscored weaknesses in disaster preparedness and risk governance.
According to the analysis Nigeria has improved hazard monitoring through seasonal forecasts, flood mapping and forecasting tools developed by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). However, limited integration of demographic, infrastructure land use and building data continues to hinder comprehensive disaster risk assessments.
The report also highlights challenges in disaster governance despite the country’s National Disaster Risk Management Policy. Limited institutional capacity at state and local levels, inadequate funding, weak enforcement of building regulations and poor coordination continue to hamper effective implementation.
It recommends shifting greater investment from post disaster response to disaster prevention by strengthening climate resilient infrastructure, urban planning, drainage systems, ecosystem restoration and early warning systems. The report also calls for stronger partnerships with the private sector and telecommunications providers to improve disaster preparedness and public alert systems.
At the community level, the analysis stresses the need for better dissemination of early warnings through mobile networks, radio broadcasts and local communication channels. It also recommends regular emergency drills, updated evacuation plans and stronger community disaster management committees to improve preparedness.
The authors further urge Nigeria to establish transparent monitoring systems by publishing regular progress reports on Sendai Framework targets, including disaster mortality, affected populations and preparedness indicators. They conclude that while Nigeria has developed appropriate policies, achieving the framework’s 2030 goals will depend on stronger implementation, sustained investment in resilience and greater collaboration among government agencies, communities, civil society and the private sector.