By Ihuoma UKeje
On Thursday, 27th June 2024 a destructive fire engulfed the Karu market in Abuja . The cause of the fire is unknown, but it significantly impacted a large section of the market with goods and properties worth millions of Naira lost.
The Karu market fire joins a list of previous incidents at other markets in the Federal Capital Territory, including Wuse, Karimo, and Kubwa, Nyanya, Kugbo Furniture and Timber Market, highlighting the challenges in safeguarding these vital commercial spaces. These fires endanger local economies and the livelihoods of small and medium-scale traders and artisans, which are crucial to Nigeria’s economic well-being.
The aftermath of the Karu Market fire has revealed major environmental and logistical challenges. Heavy rains have worsened the debris from the fire, turning the market into a messy area with scattered stones and remnants. This has made it hard for traders and customers to move around. It underscores the urgent need for thorough cleanup and better market infrastructure to ensure safety and usability for everyone involved.
Market fires like the one at Karu Market often involve the combustion of goods that can release large quantities of greenhouse gases, exacerbating air pollution and posing health risks to nearby communities. This is the situation in Karu after the fire incident.
Aside the financial loss caused by the fire, market dwellers and the entire neighbourhood is now exposed to a highly toxic environment, that could lead to other health risk and challenges like transmittable disease, respiratory track infections, plastic emissions and more.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics NBS MSMEs contribute 48 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and employ over 84 per cent of the country’s workforce.
Between 2015 and 2022, fire incidents in Nigeria have resulted in losses exceeding ₦3.19 trillion. The year 2022 alone saw fire-related damages amounting to ₦46.1 billion, which was a significant increase of 1,413 percent compared to ₦3.05 billion in 2021. These figures highlight the severe impact of fire incidents on Nigeria’s economy.
For the traders affected by fire outbreaks, they have said, that the experience has been terrifying. Those affected by the Karu market fire have said that they are facing immense loss and helplessness. Victoria Haruna, a market women leader in Karu market Abuja, said the emotional impact of witnessing years of her hard work being reduced to ashes was unexplainable.
She highlighted the struggles of many women in the market who now face difficulties providing for their families after being displaced by the fire and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians for assistance in rebuilding their lives.
Clement Nwankwo, Secretary of Karu Traders’ Association, estimates that about 3,000 traders were affected and the collective loss experienced by the traders to be around 3 billion Naira. He expressed the frustrations of many traders who had long raised concerns to the local authorities about safety threats posed by the construction of a poorly planned community mall within the market. This construction hindered timely access for fire services, with demolition only occurring after the fire incident.
The Karu market had only newly been built a few years ago by the authorities, but yet lacking a proper planning to aid safety and security.
William Ndubuisi, a stationary vendor, recounts his experience of being displaced by fire for the second time. He expresses frustration over the obstacles faced in the process and efforts to salvaging his goods during the fire and calls on the government to assist displaced traders in their rebuilding their efforts.
Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, Acting Director General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, FEMD, in a press release after the fire incident said the critical challenges faced during firefighting operations at the Market was access. Despite deploying sufficient firetrucks, they were unable to gain access to the market, which is located behind the new community mall under construction.
While investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, to prevent future tragedies and enhance response capabilities, it is imperative that the cause of the Karu market fire and similar incidents in Abuja be thoroughly investigated and the process needs to be transparent and include public reporting of findings to improve safety measures and response protocols across all markets in the city.
Market fires often stem from electrical faults, illegal constructions, and inadequate safety measures exacerbated by market congestion and poor access to emergency responders. The coordination between traders and firefighting services further complicates response efforts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms.
The devastating fires at Karu market and other markets in Abuja highlight the vulnerabilities faced by market communities and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to prevent future tragedies.
There is also a crucial need for heightened public awareness of fundamental fire prevention measures to mitigate the frequency and impact of market fires.
Market and local authorities must prioritize measures to alleviate congestion within markets and ensure the provision of adequate access roads. These steps are essential to facilitating swift movement for fire services and emergency responders during critical situations.
