The Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Humanitarian Response to Flood Disasters in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

This study examines the contributions of non-governmental organisations to humanitarian response operations during flood disasters in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Kebbi State is among the most flood-prone states in Nigeria, with annual flooding displacing tens of thousands of households and disrupting agricultural cycles. Drawing on humanitarian governance theory and recent disaster management literature from 2019 to 2024, the study adopts a descriptive survey design. A sample of 220 respondents including flood victims, NGO field staff, state emergency management officials, and local government officers is selected through purposive sampling across three flood-affected local government areas. Data are collected via structured questionnaires, observation protocols, and key informant interviews. Frequency analysis and cross-tabulation are used to present findings. The study anticipates that NGOs play a critical but under-resourced role in food distribution, temporary shelter, health services, and post-disaster recovery, often filling gaps left by underfunded government emergency agencies. Coordination failures between NGOs and the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency are also expected to be identified. Recommendations will address improving coordination frameworks, pre-positioning relief materials, and building local government capacity for disaster risk reduction. The study adds empirical depth to the literature on humanitarian governance in Nigeria's North West zone. Keywords: non-governmental organisations, humanitarian response, flood disasters, Kebbi State, disaster management