Closing Nigeria's Last-Mile Warning-to-Action Gap

This policy brief examines why Nigeria’s expanding risk-analysis and early-warning capacity does not always translate into timely protective action at state, local government and community levels. Drawing on publicly available evidence and professional experience supporting government-led emergency preparedness, it identifies gaps in decision authority, agreed triggers, contingency financing, delivery readiness, community communication and accountability. The brief proposes a Nigeria Warning-to-Action Delivery Standard that connects risk information to named responsibilities, predefined actions and resources before emergencies escalate. It also presents a practical readiness scorecard for assessing whether institutions are operationally prepared ahead of high-risk seasons. The recommendations are intended for government authorities, humanitarian and development partners, donors and practitioners working to strengthen anticipatory action and locally led emergency management in Nigeria.