Mass casualty incidents and disasters in Nigeria: The need for better management strategies.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to discuss principles involved in disaster management, disasters in Nigeria, examine the current level of preparedness in the country and make recommendations for improvement.


METHODS
An overview of various disaster events in the country coupled with review of the literature.


RESULTS
Fatality figures for disaster in Nigeria are high.


CONCLUSIONS
There is need for a strong political will from government at all levels regarding disaster management in order to mitigate its occurrence and impact.
Ehiawaguan
I P
IP
Department of Surgery,University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P. M. B 1111, Benin City. bashirmohdt@yahoo.com
D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D054527:Mass Casualty Incidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology