First to Respond Last To Leave: The Role of Para-Military Agencies in Disaster Management: Evidence from Nigeria

Shortly after the recent fire’s disaster in Lagos, Kano, Katsina and Oyo market in Nigeria, an account of the activities and initiatives of para-military agencies in disaster management was conducted. A review of these inventories shows some significant changes in both the types of activities being undertaken by para-military agencies. The inventories document a rapid increase in the number of roles played in recovery. In building resilience to all hazards, it is necessary to better understand the roles that different para-military agencies played, not only in recovery, but across all levels of disaster risk reduction. These roles range from leading first aid through to co-producing knowledge underpinning risk management strategies and actions. Every para-military agency has the capacity to weave disaster readiness, response and recovery, and risk reduction into their core organization mandate, and therefore represent a valuable, though often underestimated and poorly understood resource. Hence, it is therefore recommended that there is need to build the collaboration of the various agencies of government and partner international organizations and also build the capacities of the implementation agencies and regulatory bodies, their influence over the lifecycle be increased and public awareness increasing around issues related to disaster risk, while promoting public participation in the processes of development. This view provides much needed guidance to decision makers to take action towards a more resilient future.