Lagos’ Fire Prevention Strategy
The recent announcement by the Lagos State government regarding plans to install a centralized generator in the Lagos Island market to curb incessant fire outbreaks is a classic example of addressing symptoms rather than root causes. While any effort to reduce fire incidents is commendable, this approach raises several critical questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of fire prevention strategies in Nigeria’s most populous city.
First and foremost, the focus on a centralized generator system, while potentially reducing individual generator use, fails to address the underlying infrastructure issues that necessitate widespread generator use in the first place. Lagos, like much of Nigeria, suffers from chronic power shortages. By providing a centralized generator, the government is essentially admitting defeat in its ability to provide reliable grid electricity to one of its most important commercial centers.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s emphasis on “collective responsibility” and his assertion that fire incidents are “largely due to irresponsible behavior or carelessness” shifts blame onto market traders without acknowledging the systemic failures that create hazardous conditions. While individual responsibility is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize that people often resort to risky practices (like storing fuel or using generators in unsafe ways) due to a lack of viable alternatives.
The governor’s boast about building fire stations and acquiring fire engines, while important, speaks to a reactive rather than preventive approach. True fire safety requires proactive measures: proper urban planning, enforcement of building codes, regular safety inspections, and public education campaigns. These aspects seem to be missing from the current discourse.
Moreover, the plan for a centralized generator raises questions about its implementation and maintenance. Who will be responsible for fueling and maintaining this generator? How will costs be distributed among market traders? What happens when this centralized system fails – as it inevitably will at some point?
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services’ director, Margaret Adeseye, speaks of finding “lasting solutions” through stakeholder collaboration. However, the proposed solutions seem short-term and piecemeal. A truly lasting solution would involve comprehensive urban renewal, significant improvements to the power grid, and stringent enforcement of safety regulations.
It’s also worth noting that this conference and these plans come in the wake of several devastating market fires in Lagos. While it’s positive that action is being taken, one must question why it took multiple tragedies to spur this level of attention and action.
In conclusion, while any effort to reduce fire incidents is welcome, Lagos needs a more comprehensive, systemic approach to fire prevention. This should include:
- Significant investment in and improvement of the power grid to reduce reliance on generators.
- Strict enforcement of building codes and regular safety inspections.
- Comprehensive public education campaigns on fire safety.
- Urban renewal projects that prioritize safety in market design and layout.
- Investment in modern fire detection and suppression systems in public markets.
Until these fundamental issues are addressed, measures like centralized generators will remain mere stopgaps in the face of a persistent and dangerous problem. Lagos deserves a fire prevention strategy that truly addresses the root causes of these incidents, not just their symptoms.
Reference
Govt plans centralized generator for Lagos market published in Punch