The Role of Insurance in Disaster Recovery Among Flood Victims in Bayelsa State

This study explores the role of insurance in supporting post-disaster recovery among flood victims in Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. Bayelsa State is one of Nigeria's most flood-prone states, situated entirely within the Niger Delta floodplain, with annual flooding events causing extensive property damage, displacement, and livelihood disruption. Despite the severity and recurrence of flood disasters in the state, formal insurance coverage for flood-related losses is virtually absent among the affected population. This research employs a descriptive survey design with primary data collected from 280 households in three local government areas classified as highly flood-vulnerable by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Questionnaires assess loss experience from the most recent flood event, awareness of flood insurance products, reliance on government relief versus private recovery resources, and willingness to pay for future coverage. Secondary data from NEMA and Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on disaster relief expenditure supplement the primary data. Descriptive statistics and qualitative responses are analyzed to characterize recovery pathways and insurance demand. Preliminary findings are expected to show total reliance on government emergency relief and informal community support, with negligible private insurance recovery. The study recommends parametric flood insurance development for the Niger Delta region in partnership with international development finance institutions. Keywords: Disaster Recovery, Flood Insurance, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Parametric Insurance.