In Borno, NEMA sensitises traders on fire disaster management

This trend is also a source of concern to the state House of Assembly when in one of its sittings, it passed a resolution that the state government should investigate the reoccurring cases of fire outbreaks in various parts of the state. The House then set up a committee to find a lasting solution to […]

This trend is also a source of concern to the state House of Assembly when in one of its sittings, it passed a resolution that the state government should investigate the reoccurring cases of fire outbreaks in various parts of the state. The House then set up a committee to find a lasting solution to the causes of the fire. Ahmed Usman, a member representing Gwoza constituency, who moved the motion, observed that it was unwise for the state government to continue to provide relief materials to victims of the fire without finding permanent solutions.

The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, who was represented at the occasion by Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA information officer, North East, said incidences of fire outbreaks in market places is becoming a threat to the nation’s economic growth and development.

“Markets in Nigeria are perhaps the largest employers of labour in the private sector. The economic activities associated with markets are equal to none. It’s a national treasure. No doubts, Nigeria have large market, which has and will continue to attract foreigners. Nigerians also export to other African countries from our markets, which means that our markets are also major sources of foreign exchange. Therefore, every effort must be made to prevent future fire outbreaks,” he said.

The NEMA DG, during the sensitization, explained that as a way to prevent fire in markets all lights should be switched off at the end of every market day and switched on at the beginning of every market day. He also advised market leaders to consider initiating legislation from the government to back this up. “I am not under any illusion that power is unstable but despite that, it will be a very good idea to have a control switch for all markets. Those using generators should also comply with switching their generators off at the end of each market day.” he added.

Alhaji Sidi also called for compulsory fire extinguishers in every stall in markets as another way to prevent fire outbreak in markets. He advised market leaders to make it a point of duty to carryout routine checks of all stalls for compliance with the rules.

“I will suggest fire drills and exercises for all traders in any particular market. I have been privileged to witness when traders are doing clean up exercises and praying times. At such occasions, high team spirits are exhibited. Same attitude can be applied to fire drills.” he advised.

The NEMA boss attributed overcrowding in markets as one of the reasons why rescue efforts are difficult in times of emergency and called for the decongestion of markets to a modern one.

Also speaking, the zonal manager, Aliyu Sambo, who was also represented at the occasion, said the agency in the northeast has commenced discussions with NICON nsurance on how to mobilize traders in the zone to insure their goods so that they do not lose out completely in case of market fire. “We should bear in mind that governments insure market structures only while they get compensation for losses, the traders do not get anything at all at the end of every market fire disaster. That is why it is necessary for the traders to take insurance policy seriously as being packaged by the zonal office.” He advised.

Highlight of the occasion was drama presentation by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), drama group on how to prevent fire in market places. There was also a presentation on rescue operations by the fire service and the Red Cross Society.

Kanem Trust gathered that NEMA had in the past, intervened in the disasters management including market fire disasters. Amongst the past intervention are relief materials for the victims of the Boko Haram crises, relief materials for victims of pest invasion in Magumeri local government area of the state and relief materials to flood disasters victims in Kala Balge.