ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE ON FIRE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AMONG TRADERS IN LAGOS ISLAND MARKET, LAGOS  STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The notion of risk is a fundamental and essential concept that informs and influences many aspects of life, including a wide range of areas such as individual cognitive processes in decision-making, organisational strategies in business management, and comprehensive measures for disaster preparedness. At its essence, risk refers to the intrinsic potential for encountering injury, loss, or adverse outcomes resulting from occurrences or conditions marked by uncertainty (Addai, Tulashie, Annan, Yeboah, 2016). The topic under consideration involves the complex interplay of probabilities, repercussions, and vulnerabilities, therefore emphasising the fundamental presence of uncertainty and unpredictability that pervades many aspects of human life.  The notion of risk, as defined by Greg (2021), incorporates both potential hazards and advantageous circumstances. Recognising that risk encompasses not just adverse consequences but also the possibility of favourable results is crucial. Through the recognition of both the possible hazards and the possible advantages, people and organisations may make well-informed choices and implement suitable measures to efficiently carry out risk management. Adopting a given viewpoint, one may argue that it represents the possibility of negative consequences, such as financial losses, bodily injury, or the damage of property or the environment. On the other hand, it also indicates the possibility of positive outcomes or advantages, such as financial profits from investments, personal growth by overcoming challenges, or progress via empirical experimentation (Odaudu & Zubairu, 2019). 

Risk reduction in the context of fire disaster management refers to a wide range of techniques and measures intentionally developed to decrease the likelihood of fires occurring and simultaneously reduce their potential impact on human lives, physical assets, and the environment. The statement above takes a comprehensive strategy that includes proactive actions to detect, assess, and reduce the many elements that contribute to the risk of fires. Moreover, it involves enhancing readiness, preparation, and recovery capacities to efficiently handle such occurrences (Ozioma, 2020).  An essential goal of risk mitigation is to actively prevent the start of fires. The objective at hand involves implementing steps targeted at eliminating or reducing sources of ignition, such as faulty electrical systems, open flames, or smoking in locations where it is specifically prohibited. Prevention refers to the effort to provide information and raise awareness among the general population about fire safety procedures, the proper handling of flammable materials, and the need of quickly recognising and reporting any fire hazards (Ozoji, 2018). As an essential economic institution, the market plays a crucial role in both local communities and the overall national economy. Furthermore, it functions as a numerical indicator for evaluating the level of urban environmental quality (Ilodiuba, Nwaogazie & Ugbebor, 2017). Marketplaces are the primary or ultimate locus of economic activity in emerging countries. One of the predominant issues confronting the markets in Nigeria is the recurrent incidence of fire losses. The cause of this problem may be ascribed to a lack of awareness and comprehension among market participants and other pertinent stakeholders on the significance of being ready for and mitigating fire catastrophes. 

Numerous prestigious markets have suffered significant damage due to devastating fires, resulting in the complete destruction of priceless valuables and the distressing loss of lives, amounting to billions of naira (Oluwaseun and Ojoye 2019). In recent decades, market fires have certainly emerged as a recurrent phenomena in Nigeria. Between 2012 and 2022, the measured frequency displayed a remarkable degree of significance. One notable fire that occurred at this specific time period was the 2012 Boxing Day fire in Jankara market, Idumota, Lagos (Oluwaseun and Ojoye 2019). Within the urban areas of Africa, a substantial proportion of the urban population engages in small-scale retail trade and other commercial activities. A multitude of studies have been undertaken about fire occurrences, with the main objective of identifying and categorising the sources of market fires in various commercial land use models inside Nigeria, acting as a representative case.  Based on a research by Nnamdi (2017), the primary factor responsible for market fires in Nigeria is identified as "general storing," which has a commonality ratio of 0.09284. Moreover, it is crucial to take into account other elements that greatly contribute to the incidence of fires in marketplaces. Within this set of causes, electrical installations stand out as the second most significant cause. Inadequate disposal methods and a limited knowledge of market sites can significantly contribute to the worsening of fire hazards. The fourth and fifth elements, as delineated by Nnamdi (2017), relate to insufficient market exit points and weak regulations concerning markets. It is vital to take into account these aspects in order to get a thorough comprehension of the topic matter. Furthermore, the sixth factor contributing to fires in markets is a lack of knowledge and an insufficient fire emergency action plan. Research conducted over a period of six years has shown that, on average, six markets in Niger state, particularly Kabara, saw fire accidents per year (Kabara, 2023).  The prevalence of worldwide fire outbreaks is widespread, particularly in areas that lack proper risk reduction initiatives, such as the availability of necessary infrastructure and equipment to effectively control and extinguish flames. Therefore, it is evident that the fires often lead to the flooding and inundation of the nearby populations and their property. In 2008, the fire department in the United States of America attended to more than 500,000 fire occurrences in commercial buildings (Oluwaseun and Ojoye 2019).  According to Kabara's records in 2023, the fires described above had unfortunately caused the unfortunate deaths of almost 2,900 civilians and caused injuries to around 14,900 others. Moreover, the fires have resulted in significant property losses surpassing a monetary worth of $14,000,000,000, as documented by Kabara in the same year. As a country, Nigeria has a yearly mortality rate of 1000 directly caused by flames, along with an astonishing 7000 instances of fire accidents. In a public speech delivered at Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U) on April 4th, 2012, Edwin (2012), a highly regarded expert in the subject of disaster management, revealed the aforementioned knowledge.  The fundamental concepts that support management efforts globally are centred on the goals of reducing property damage, protecting human life, and addressing environmental deterioration (Coppola 2015; Santín and Doerr 2016; Tymstra et al. 2020). Notably, the academic works of Agbola and Falola (2021) and Bello et al. (2021) provide evidence of the substantial inequalities in the local and institutional ability to successfully execute this objective. It should be emphasised that no country, regardless of its economic status or degree of development, has successfully built a completely invincible infrastructure to withstand natural disasters (Coppola 2015). Nevertheless, it has been noted that cities in underdeveloped nations, specifically, are considered to have a restricted capacity to efficiently execute sustainable strategies for combating fire-related catastrophes (Bello et al. 2021).  

The intrinsic vulnerability of cities in underdeveloped countries has been attributed by Hallegatte et al. (2020) to subpar socioeconomic circumstances, weak governance systems, and deficient infrastructure provision. Insufficient attention is typically paid to fire safety throughout the planning, design, and construction of new structures, as well as during repairs, restorations, modifications, and rehabilitations of existing buildings (Ivanov et al., 2022). In metropolitan regions of developing countries, the problem is worsened by recurrent fires in buildings that do not demonstrate any noticeable application of previously acquired information from past fire events (Ivanov et al., 2022). The topic under consideration is the dominant design of fire control that is seen in several metropolitan regions across Nigeria, including the city of Ibadan. Previous attempts by the government to control fires, using well-established fire services and disaster management organisations, have shown to be ineffective. To achieve sustainable fire management, it is crucial to focus on analysing the existing community and institutional fire mitigation and preparation methods in their specific settings and contexts. An important prerequisite for attaining suitable catastrophe risk reduction is the examination of the present condition of things. Accordingly, the current study conducted an analysis of the institutional framework and the responsibilities of important individuals in the field of disaster risk reduction in Ibadan. The aim was to use this analysis as a perspective to comprehend the overall situation in Nigerian cities. Furthermore, it is crucial for society to give paramount importance to the goal of reducing the risk linked to fire catastrophes in markets and other commercial facilities. An effective strategy to tackle this problem is to have a more thorough understanding of the specific factors that contribute to the incidence of these disastrous incidents. It is crucial for everyone involved in market trading to have a comprehensive understanding of the causes, prevention, and readiness for fires. Thus, this study wishes to assess  the knowledge on fire disaster risk reduction among traders in Lagos Island Market, Lagos  State.

Statement of the Research Problem

A significant factor that adversely affects the growth and development of markets, as well as the overall sustainability index of the business environment in Niger state, is the frequent incidence of damaging fires (Kabara, 2023). Data analysis of fire event data indicated that marketplaces in all 36 states of Nigeria had seen several instances of fire breakouts. A research undertaken by Adaobi (2021) revealed that past fire occurrences in Nigerian markets led to the evacuation of over 200 shops, hence having a substantial impact on merchants. Insufficient understanding of fire disaster preparation and prevention may result in market traders being unaware of the typical fire causes and the essential preventive actions. A significant number of these market vendors lack sufficient fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Insufficient understanding of fire disaster readiness and prevention might result in a disrespect for fire safety mandates and recommendations (Greg, 2021). Trading establishments may lack sufficient fire escapes, obstructed evacuation routes, or inappropriate storage of combustible products. These circumstances not only expose the traders to potential danger, but also jeopardise their lives, assets, and the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the level of understanding of fire catastrophe preparation and prevention among market traders in order to save lives, property, and enterprises (Ozoji, 2018). It facilitates well-informed decision-making, focused implementation of initiatives, and the creation of a secure and robust market environment. The foundation of this research is in the acknowledgement that, despite the clear hazards, there is a notable deficiency in the existing body of information about the level of understanding among market merchants about fire disaster preparation and prevention in Suleja Modern Market (Tici, 2021). Against this backdrop, this study seeks to assess the knowledge on fire disaster risk reduction among traders in Lagos Island Market, Lagos  State.

1.3 Research Objectives 

The broad objective of the study is to assess the knowledge on fire disaster risk reduction among traders in Lagos island Market, Lagos State. The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the knowledge of traders in Lagos island on fire hazard.

To investigate the causes of fire disaster in Lagos island market.

To investigate  the preparedness of traders in Lagos island on fire disaster outbreak

To assess the level of prevention  provided by the Lagos island market management.

To analyze the fire safety management practices in the Lagos island market

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is  the knowledge of traders in Lagos island on fire hazard?

What are the causes of fire disaster in Lagos island market?

What is the preparedness of traders in Lagos island on fire disaster outbreak?

What is the level of prevention  provided by the Lagos island market management?

What are the fire safety management practices in the Lagos island market?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Policymakers: Findings from the study will inform the development of targeted policies, regulations, and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing fire safety and disaster resilience within the market. Insights into traders' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to fire risk reduction can guide the formulation of effective measures, including educational campaigns, training programs, infrastructure improvements, and enforcement mechanisms.

Market management: The study will provide insights into the adequacy of market infrastructure and management practices concerning fire safety and disaster preparedness. Recommendations stemming from the study can guide market authorities in implementing measures to improve infrastructure resilience, such as installing fire detection and suppression systems, enhancing building codes compliance, and establishing emergency response protocols. In addition, the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge and also serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on assessment of  the knowledge on fire disaster risk reduction among traders in Lagos island market. Specifically, the study will assess the knowledge of traders in Lagos island on fire hazard, investigate the causes of fire disaster in Lagos island market, investigate  the preparedness of traders in Lagos island on fire disaster outbreak, assess the level of prevention  provided by the Lagos island market management and analyze the fire safety management practices in the Lagos island market.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to Lagos island market, Lagos State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study

1.8 Definition of terms

Knowledge: The understanding, information, and skills that traders possess about preventing, mitigating, and managing the risks associated with fire disasters in their businesses.

Fire Disaster: An uncontrolled fire incident that causes significant damage to property, infrastructure, human life, and the environment, often requiring emergency response.

Risk Reduction: Measures and practices aimed at minimizing the likelihood or impact of fire disasters, including prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery strategies.

Traders: Individuals or business owners who engage in the buying and selling of goods and services, typically in marketplaces or commercial settings.

Fire Disaster Risk: The probability or chance that a fire disaster will occur and its potential impact on lives, property, and economic activities.

Fire Disaster Risk Reduction: The collective efforts, strategies, and practices aimed at minimizing the occurrence and impact of fire-related incidents through awareness, preparedness, and protective measures.

Disaster Preparedness: The state of readiness of traders to effectively respond to fire disasters through training, fire drills, and safety measures like fire extinguishers.

Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce the severity or consequences of fire disasters by implementing preventive and protective measures within the business environment.

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