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

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Risk is a key concept that plays a vital role in various areas of life, shaping everything from how individuals make decisions to how organizations develop strategies, and how societies prepare for emergencies. At its core, risk involves the possibility of harm, loss, or negative outcomes arising from unpredictable or uncertain events (Addai, Tulashie, Annan, & Yeboah, 2016). The idea of risk is tied closely to probability, consequences, and vulnerability, which highlights the uncertain nature of many human experiences. Greg (2021) explains that risk is not only about potential harm but can also involve potential benefits. Recognizing both the dangers and opportunities that risks may present allows individuals and organizations to make more informed decisions and adopt effective risk management strategies. While risk often suggests possible negative impacts—such as injury, property damage, or environmental degradation—it can also point to potential rewards, such as financial gains, personal development, or scientific breakthroughs (Odaudu & Zubairu, 2019). In the context of fire disaster management, risk reduction includes a range of deliberate efforts aimed at minimizing the chances of fires breaking out and reducing the damage they might cause to people, property, and the environment. This comprehensive approach includes early detection, assessment of fire risks, and mitigation strategies, alongside improved readiness, response, and recovery capabilities (Ozioma, 2020). Preventing fires is a major component of risk reduction. This involves removing or managing ignition sources like faulty wiring, open flames, or smoking in unauthorized areas. Public education is also key—raising awareness about fire safety, the handling of flammable substances, and encouraging timely reporting of fire hazards (Ozoji, 2018). Markets, as vital economic hubs, are deeply embedded in local communities and contribute significantly to national economic growth. They also serve as indicators of urban environmental standards (Ilodiuba, Nwaogazie, & Ugbebor, 2017). In many developing countries, markets are the central sites of economic activity. However, one of the major issues facing Nigerian markets is the frequent outbreak of fires. These incidents are often due to a lack of awareness and preparedness among traders and stakeholders regarding fire prevention and control. Numerous renowned markets have been severely affected by fires, leading to massive losses in goods and, tragically, lives—costing billions of naira in damages (Oluwaseun & Ojoye, 2019). Over the past decade, market fires have become a recurring problem in Nigeria. Between 2012 and 2022, there were several significant fire incidents, including the infamous Boxing Day fire in 2012 at Jankara Market in Idumota, Lagos (Oluwaseun & Ojoye, 2019). In many African cities, a large portion of the urban population is involved in small-scale trading and commerce. Various studies have tried to understand and categorize the causes of market fires in Nigeria. Nnamdi (2017) identified "general storing" as the leading cause, with a high frequency rate of 0.09284. Other critical causes include faulty electrical systems, poor waste disposal methods, inadequate awareness of fire risks, limited exit routes, and weak market regulations. Furthermore, a major contributing factor is the traders’ limited knowledge and lack of emergency response plans for fire incidents. According to Kabara (2023), market fire accidents are a regular occurrence, with some markets experiencing up to six fire-related incidents annually. Fire outbreaks are a global issue, especially in regions with inadequate risk reduction infrastructure and limited firefighting resources. In some cases, fires result in the destruction of nearby homes and businesses. For instance, in 2008 alone, the U.S. fire department responded to over 500,000 fire incidents in commercial buildings (Oluwaseun & Ojoye, 2019). Kabara’s 2023 report shows that these incidents resulted in nearly 2,900 civilian deaths and over 14,900 injuries, with property losses exceeding $14 billion. In Nigeria, about 1,000 fire-related deaths occur annually, with an estimated 7,000 fire incidents recorded each year, according to Edwin (2012) during a speech at Ahmadu Bello University. Globally, fire management practices aim to protect lives, minimize property damage, and safeguard the environment (Coppola, 2015; Santín & Doerr, 2016; Tymstra et al., 2020). However, studies by Agbola and Falola (2021) and Bello et al. (2021) highlight large disparities in how different regions and institutions handle fire disaster risk. No country, regardless of its economic development, is immune to natural disasters (Coppola, 2015), but developing nations often face additional challenges in implementing long-term fire safety strategies (Bello et al., 2021). Hallegatte et al. (2020) argue that cities in developing countries are more vulnerable due to poor socioeconomic conditions, weak institutions, and inadequate infrastructure. Often, fire safety is overlooked in the planning and construction of buildings, as well as during renovations and maintenance (Ivanov et al., 2022). In many Nigerian cities, such as Ibadan, fire safety practices are rarely updated based on lessons from past fire outbreaks. Government efforts through fire services and disaster management agencies have had limited success. For fire risk reduction to be sustainable, it is necessary to critically evaluate both community-based and institutional approaches to fire prevention. This includes studying the existing frameworks and the roles of key stakeholders involved in fire safety, as was done in Ibadan to draw broader lessons applicable to other Nigerian cities. Ultimately, reducing fire risk in marketplaces and other business centers should be a priority for communities and policymakers. A good starting point is to understand the specific causes and contributing factors of fire incidents. It is essential that traders and market operators are knowledgeable about the causes of fires, preventive strategies, and emergency preparedness. Therefore, this study aims to assess traders’ knowledge of fire disaster risk reduction in Tejuosho Market, Lagos State. 1.2 Statement of the Research Problem Frequent fire outbreaks continue to hamper the growth of Nigerian markets and the sustainability of local business environments, including those in Niger State (Kabara, 2023). Data from across Nigeria’s 36 states reveals numerous instances of market fires. Adaobi (2021) found that previous market fires displaced over 200 shop owners, causing significant hardship for traders. A major reason for the recurrence of such disasters is the limited awareness and understanding of fire preparedness and prevention strategies among market traders. Many traders lack access to basic fire safety equipment like extinguishers and smoke detectors. A low level of fire safety knowledge often leads to non-compliance with safety regulations (Greg, 2021). Some trading environments have blocked or inadequate fire exits, unsafe storage of flammable items, and generally poor emergency protocols. These conditions put not just the traders but also their customers, assets, and entire markets at serious risk. Given these challenges, it is crucial to examine the level of knowledge traders possess regarding fire disaster prevention and preparedness. Doing so will help inform better safety policies, targeted interventions, and a safer market environment. Despite the significant risks, there is a noticeable lack of empirical data on fire safety knowledge among market traders—especially in locations like Suleja Modern Market (Tici, 2021). This study, therefore, seeks to fill that gap by evaluating traders' understanding of fire disaster risk reduction at Tejuosho Market in Lagos State. 1.3 Research Objectives The general aim of this research is to assess the level of knowledge traders have about fire disaster risk reduction in Tejuosho Market, Lagos State. The specific objectives are to: i. Evaluate traders’ knowledge of fire hazards in Tejuosho market. ii. Identify the causes of fire disasters in Tejuosho Market. iii. Examine the level of preparedness of traders for fire outbreaks. iv. Assess the preventive measures provided by the market management. v. Analyze the fire safety practices currently in use within the market. 1.4 Research Questions This study will be guided by the following research questions: i. What is the level of awareness among traders regarding fire hazards in Tejuosho market? ii. What are the major causes of fire disasters in Tejuosho Market? iii. How prepared are the traders for potential fire outbreaks? iv. What preventive strategies has the market management implemented? v. What fire safety practices are currently being followed inTejuosho Market? 1.5 Significance of the Study Policymakers: The outcomes of this research will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers in crafting targeted policies, regulations, and strategic interventions to improve fire safety and disaster preparedness within the market environment. By understanding traders’ levels of awareness, attitudes, and behaviors toward fire risk management, decision-makers can design more effective initiatives such as public education campaigns, training workshops, infrastructure enhancements, and regulatory enforcement. Market Management: This study will also shed light on how well market infrastructure and management practices currently support fire safety and disaster readiness. Based on the findings, recommendations can be made to assist market administrators in strengthening infrastructure resilience—such as installing fire alarms and suppression systems, ensuring compliance with building safety codes, and developing well-structured emergency response plans. Moreover, the research will hold academic importance by enriching the current body of knowledge and serving as a useful reference point for future scholarly investigations. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research is centered on evaluating traders’ knowledge regarding fire disaster risk reduction in the Tejuosho market. The study specifically aims to: Examine traders’ understanding of fire hazards;Identify the causes of fire outbreaks in Lagos Island market; Assess the level of preparedness among traders for potential fire disasters; Evaluate the preventive measures implemented by market management; and Review the fire safety management practices currently in place within the market. In terms of geographic focus, the study is strictly limited to the Tejuosho market located in Lagos State. 1.7 Limitation of the Study As with most human endeavors, this study faced a few minor limitations. The key challenges include: Time Constraints: The researcher had limited time to conduct the study due to the need to balance it with other academic obligations such as attending lectures and participating in school-related activities. Financial Constraints: Conducting this research incurred several financial costs, including expenses for typesetting, printing, sourcing of relevant literature and materials, as well as carrying out data collection. Limited Access to Materials: There were some difficulties in finding adequate literature on the specific topic. The limited availability of resources due to the relatively specialized nature of the subject presented a challenge to the research process. 1.8 Definition of Terms Knowledge: Refers to the information, understanding, and skills that traders have about how to prevent, manage, and respond to fire-related hazards in their business environment. Fire Disaster: An uncontrolled fire event that causes major destruction to properties, infrastructure, human lives, and the natural environment, usually demanding an emergency response. Risk Reduction: Encompasses all actions and strategies taken to lower the chances or consequences of fire disasters, including preventive, preparatory, and recovery efforts. Traders: Individuals or business operators who are engaged in buying and selling goods or services, primarily within market or commercial areas. Fire Disaster Risk: The likelihood of a fire incident occurring and the potential harm it could cause to people, property, and economic activities. Fire Disaster Risk Reduction: Refers to all collective efforts, plans, and safety practices that aim to prevent or lessen the effects of fire disasters by promoting awareness, preparedness, and protection. Disaster Preparedness: Describes how ready traders are to respond to fire emergencies, often through training, fire drills, and availability of fire safety equipment like extinguishers. Mitigation: These are measures implemented to decrease the impact or seriousness of fire disasters, usually by applying protective or preventative strategies within the business setting.