Disaster Management in a Volatile Ecowas Region: Nigeria Perspective

This study examined disaster management in Nigeria with a view to ascertaining how policies and government agencies can be used to achieve effective disaster management in the West African Region. The objectives of the study were; to determine how staff training can be used to impart efficiency and quick response to emergency incidence. To suggest the adequacy of standard equipment required for disaster management and care for accident victims. It was meant to investigate the part of good governance and respect for the rule of law in disaster management in the region. To find out the possibility of putting in place a well run regional mechanism for the evacuation, resettlement and empowerment of stranded ECOWAS citizens within and outside the region. It is to ensure long term solutions to these challenges by advocating for the creation of conditions of peace and security in the countries, and sustainable development of the communities. An exploratory research design was used. The population of the study was characterized by the staff of the National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA. Invariably, a sample size of 351 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula out of which 249 was returned. ECOWAS government and institutions need to review their spending pattern to ensure that the dwindling resources are streamlined for the optimization of the strategic goals of the communities. There should be a well-articulated evacuation plan for compatriots who are stranded. This research advocates for the encouragement and strengthening of both the National and International Emergency Management Agencies, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) and Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC’S) for Improved performance.