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Assessment of Fire Prevention and Protection Measures in Markets within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
ABSTRACT:
Nigeria has been grappling with frequent fire outbreaks in its marketplaces, resulting in significant losses of valuable goods, properties, and human lives. This pressing issue necessitated an assessment of existing fire prevention and protection measures in marketplaces, with the objective of formulating additional guidelines to enhance the National Fire Safety Code of Nigeria concerning market design.
The research focused on the seven regional built-up markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, which are managed by the FCT Markets Management Committee. Three markets, namely Wuse market, Garki model market, and Kado market, were selected for the study using purposive sampling. The total sales points in these markets were 2,091, 1,430, and 353, respectively. Applying a systematic sampling method at every 5th interval, 419, 287, and 71 sales points were studied in Wuse market, Garki model market, and Kado market, respectively.
Primary research data were collected through direct observations of the market conditions and administering 777 questionnaires to salespeople. In addition, discussions with salespeople and staff from FCT Markets Operating Bodies, such as the Federal Fire Service of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Traders, and the managing company of the selected markets, provided valuable insights. Interviews were also conducted with FCT Markets Operating Bodies to gather primary data. Secondary research data were obtained from relevant literature on fire outbreaks in markets and other public buildings in Nigeria and beyond.
The data were analyzed using parametric statistical and content analysis techniques, and the results were validated through normality tests. The research revealed that one of the factors contributing to the rapid spread of fire in markets is the installation of canopies between the roofs of adjacent buildings as sun shading devices by salespeople. Electricity-related issues, particularly the indiscriminate use of personal electricity generators, were identified as the major factors leading to changes made by users that accelerate the spread of fire in the markets. Furthermore, the design of the markets itself was inadequate in terms of fire prevention and protection measures, as some buildings lacked front verandahs or corridors for mounting fire extinguishers or other fire protection devices on their inner walls.
Additionally, the study highlighted the insufficiency of the current 2013 edition of the National Fire Safety Code of Nigeria (NFSCN) in terms of enforcing passive fire prevention and protection measures. As a result, several additional guidelines were proposed to improve the NFSCN and market design. These guidelines include mandating front verandahs/corridors for all floors of lock-up shops to discourage the use of canopy roofs as sun shading devices for sit-out areas and ensuring that each market site has a main fire-resistant generator house to discourage the indiscriminate use of personal electricity generators.
The research recommends a thorough review of the 2013 edition of the NFSCN to prioritize passive fire prevention and protection measures adequately. By implementing these recommendations and guidelines, it is hoped that the vulnerability of Nigerian marketplaces to fire outbreaks can be significantly reduced, safeguarding lives and properties.
Assessment of Fire Prevention and Protection Measures in Markets within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
