In a compelling call to action, safety advocate Jide Oyewusi has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the recurring menace of fire outbreaks in Nigeria's major markets. The plea, made on 16 January 2026, underscores a national pattern of preventable tragedies fueled by systemic carelessness.
The Root of the Problem: Systemic Negligence
Oyewusi, who serves as the coordinator of Ethics Watch International Nigeria, criticizes a prevailing culture where precaution is often an afterthought. He describes a scenario where authorities typically spring into action only after disaster has struck, a metaphor he captures as trying to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted. This reactive approach, coupled with what he terms "excessive individual and state corporate carelessness," continues to lead to avoidable loss of lives and property across the nation.
Practical Measures for Market Safety
The expert proposes several concrete, workable strategies to curb the fire menace. First, he insists that every major market must have a properly equipped fire service station that remains on high alert 24 hours a day. This ensures prompt response to any emergency.
Secondly, he advocates for the installation of a central power switching point for each market. This system would allow authorities to cut off electricity at an agreed time every evening, eliminating the risk of sparks from appliances left on by traders—a common cause of infernos where one person's mistake becomes a collective tragedy.
Ensuring Unobstructed Access
A critical yet often overlooked factor is market accessibility. Oyewusi stresses the need for clear road markings and the strict enforcement of bans on displaying goods on roads. Total congestion in market environments frequently hinders emergency services during crises. He argues that creating easy access to all market sections is non-negotiable for effective emergency response.
A Holistic Approach is Key
Jide Oyewusi concludes that only a holistic consideration and implementation of these measures can effectively address the persistent threat of fire outbreaks. The call is for proactive governance and enforced regulations to protect the vibrant commercial heart of cities like Lagos and others nationwide, safeguarding both livelihoods and lives from needless devastation.
