In a bold move to enhance fire safety in Abuja’s markets, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled a state-of-the-art fire alert technology, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
The Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, announced this innovation during the flag-off of the 2024/2025 Market Sensitization Campaign at Wuse Market on Thursday.
The Fire Router technology, currently installed only at Wuse Market, is designed to detect fire outbreaks and instantly alert the FCT Fire Service, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Chief Obuah emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving market safety and pledged to expand the technology to other markets in the FCT.
“This technology is revolutionary. It doesn’t require anyone to call or even be present. Once there’s a fire outbreak, the device immediately notifies the fire service, and they respond without delay,” Obuah said.
He added that traders would need to contribute a small fee for the device while urging them to install fire extinguishers in their shops as an additional precautionary measure. “Traders are the first responders before professional firefighters arrive, so having fire extinguishers in shops is critical,” he stressed.
The Comptroller of the FCT Fire Service, Zaccheaus Adebayo, highlighted the importance of fire prevention, stating that the sensitization campaign reflects the service’s commitment to reducing fire incidents in the Territory.
“As firefighters, we see the devastating consequences of fire outbreaks traders losing their goods, families facing economic hardship, and, at times, lives being altered forever,” Adebayo said. “Preventive measures are key, and this campaign reinforces our mission to protect lives and property.”
Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja Markets Management Limited, Onya Ojiji, outlined plans to enforce strict fire safety compliance in markets. These measures include the proper storage or removal of fire-inducing materials and training for shop operators and security personnel in fire safety protocols.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility,” Ojiji noted. “Our team will review shop operators’ adherence to fire safety guidelines while also equipping security guards with the knowledge needed to act swiftly in emergencies. This sensitization program is one of several steps we are taking to ensure the safety of lives and property in Abuja markets.”
The unveiling of the Fire Router technology marks a significant milestone in Abuja’s efforts to modernize fire safety and reduce losses caused by market fires. With plans to roll out the system across all markets in the FCT, the administration sets a new benchmark for proactive safety measures, potentially serving as a model for other states.
The sensitization campaign underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in fire prevention, ensuring that both authorities and traders are better prepared to respond to emergencies and safeguard their investments.
