International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Effective disaster communication is crucial for enhancing preparedness and response in complex risk situations. In Nigeria, various organisations, including the National Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agencies, are responsible for coordinating risk communication in various crisis situations, particularly those related to floods and conflicts.
Objective: This study analyses disaster communication and institutional accountability in Nigeria by comparing preparedness and response tactics in flood and conflict scenarios.
Method: The study employs a systematic review process utilising secondary data from peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and reports obtained through Scopus and Google Scholar. The study concentrates on articles from 2010 to 2025, utilising content analysis to ensure comparability across various disaster scenarios. Initially, 304 publications were discovered, and following screening, 254 pertinent to disaster communication, institutional responsibilities, and flood and conflict contexts were analysed.
Result: The results indicate that communication during flood situations is predominantly organised and anticipatory, focusing on early warnings and public awareness, but communication in conflict-related disasters is more reactive and hindered by insecurity, restricted access, and informational obstacles. Divergences in institutional capability and coordination additionally affect the efficacy of communication within these contexts.
Conclusion: The study suggests that disaster communication in Nigeria is inadequately tailored to the distinct requirements of flood and conflict scenarios, thereby hindering institutional efficacy in disaster preparedness and response.
Unique Contribution: This study offers a comparative analysis of catastrophe communication by synthesising flood and war situations, thereby enhancing the contextual understanding of institutional communication practices in Nigeria.
Key Recommendation: The study advocates for the implementation of context-specific and adaptable communication strategies, enhanced institutional coordination, and augmented capability for successful catastrophe communication across various risk situations.