THE WARS OF FIRE IN NIGERIA’S MERCHANDISE SPACES


 

Fire has been an important entity since time immemorial, although some individuals see it as spiritual, it has evolved with man from one stage of civilization to another and it sources keep increasing across decades as it can be converted from one form of energy to another. Talking about energy, who doesn’t use fire in today’s world? Its benefit to the human race is endless from our homes, to our communities and institutions. We only get worried when it is used for the wrong purpose or mismanaged, which can leave a lasting negative effect on lives and properties, which societies might not easily recover from. A market in my perspective is a structural and functional financial unit of every society, which steers our economy to lower or greater heights respectively. What relationship should a business institution have with fire? symbiotic, most likely but definitely not parasitic.

Most recently, the increased incidence of fire accidents in Africa’s most populated country, Nigeria, is adding salt to the injury Nigerians are nursing from the crisis in the  economy. Nigeria, just like most African countries has an almost non-functional fire-service system, it is unfortunate our country belongs to this league but the cold bites the most when the people and economy are greatly affected. Every region in the country has a tale to tell but what is being done after every incident? What structures have been put in place to prevent a reoccurrence? What mechanisms have been adopted for fire accidents to be tackled effectively and citizens compensated fully? Questions are being raised annually by buyers and sellers in trade units.

Moreover, the most recent scenario we are still recovering from is the Oshodi market fire sequel. The Emergency Management Agency in Africa’s economy hub, Lagos state, tried to put out the fire which they did but goods and commodities used in providing services were already lost to the accident in large, unaccountable figures. In addition, another recent event was when Lagos popular spare parts market was engulfed by fire. It was noted that it brewed from one of the stores dealing in automobile spare parts at the Alapeju region of the popular market of Ladipo. Tales after tales, with the common man being the most affected  by the minor and major outcomes, as well as short and long term effects of such fire incidents in Nigeria.

Furthermore, it is one thing to know the problem and causes of the problem and its another to find long lasting solutions to these problems. We all know prevention is better than cure, structures that can be put in place to prevent such reoccurrences  are readily available in Nigeria and no complex skill nor supervision is required. Firstly, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in all sections of every market to aid early detection of smoke. Secondly, sections in the market where charcoal and firewood are used majorly in merchandise should have strict rules and regulations with regards to timing of fire usage, extent of use and type of materials or goods  to be used with the fire.

Thirdly, smokers should have a section in every market just like it is done at airports and some malls, where they can smoke safely and I recommend a fee should be attached, which will discourage some, if not majority of smokers, thereby reducing the frequency of  smoking and number of smokers in market spaces. Fourthly, fire prevention advocacy and workshops on fire accidents should be done monthly to educate buyers and sellers of goods and services, to refresh their minds on how to conduct themselves with fire and what is at stake if poorly managed. Lastly, every market should have a standby fire service department with skilled personnel who can handle the given machinery to put out fire and how to rescue high number of citizens within a short period incase an accident occurs.

On the other hand, the job cannot be done soly by Government officials at the National, State and grassroot levels, but it is time for us as citizens to have more non-governmental organizations who are willing to dive into the Nigerian merchandise system and make the market a safe haven and trading a stress-free, memorable and enjoyable activity for citizens. I implore the Commissioners of finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to work with the head of markets who are commonly referred to in the South-western part of Nigeria as “Iyalojas”. A good team work will surely take Nigerian trade centers to greater heights.

In conclusion, I am a firm believer of the popular saying “no Nigerian is more Nigerian than any Nigerian”. An Asian , European or Arab cannot solve issues like this for our financial institutions, our market spaces cannot be safe to exchange goods and services if we do not put our heads together to pave better trade polices and market structures for every region in our country. Trader or not, the mantle is in our hands to do the needful.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WEEKLY READS WITH DR. FAJEMBOLA (WEEK 5)

Thailand is known largely for tourism, I lived in the land of smiles for two years and one aspect I explored thoroughly in different facets is the healthcare system. If I could experience their healthcare again, would I? YES, is it affordable for locals and foreigners? YES for locals and averagely for foreigners.  Salient points from week 5:  1. Thailand’s UHC system is considered one of the most robust in the world, with improved access to healthcare for the population since its implementation in 2002.  2. According to the WHO, Thailand ranks 25th in the world for its UHC Service Coverage Index. 3. Current gaps include lack of access to  emergency housing for caregivers of patients attending the hospital, hidden costs of food and travel in UHC systems, complex hospital processes unfamiliar to disadvantaged patients on how to best access resources. 4. The researchers developed initiatives to help  alleviate hidden costs but they are only band-aid solutions that ...
Read more

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE: THE DECAY AND SOLUTION.

Image
RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE: THE DECAY AND SOLUTION. So much talk globally about tertiary institutions not allowing Muslim ladies observe the hijab and it does not make sense looking at it from any angle. My parents almost sent me to a catholic medical school in India, because of religious tolerance. I strongly believe a lot of the work is done from home, academic institutions are supplements on religious knowledge.  I went to Christian primary schools & you can't compare me with some who went to Muslim schools when we got to secondary level, It's like comparing grey and white if not black and white.  Charity begins at home not at school, the mistake some parents make is leaving everything to faith-based academic institutions. I went to an Islamic University, I do tell people I went to christian schools and they are shocked cos it looks like I went to muslim schools, faith-based schools are nothing if you do not train your child at home. Religious exposure makes your children be...
Read more

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN WHEN MOVING UP THE LADDER AFTER THE 2OTH CENTURY

Image
       The male and female gender are known to face different realities across the globe, and this exposes them to different opportunities as well as challenges. Every adult with a good mental health knows that the challenges faced by women since time immemorial till date are more than the opportunities which knock on their doors. An integral part of a woman’s life is balancing the expectations of work and family, this is what pushes some women to face the home fully because it is priority especially for those in Africa, making them lose opportunities to be a better individual and contribute to their societies immensely. What it takes to be a woman who can utilize as many opportunities as possible that crosses her path in different geographical locations is different just like different shades of a color- The same color but different shades. It is no news that times have changed and the myth that women cannot be successful in careers that need physical ...
Read more