By Philip Yatai
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has unveiled a fire router, a technology installed in Wuse Market, Abuja, to alert the fire service of fire outbreaks.
Its Coordinator, Chief Felix Obuah, unveiled the technology while inaugurating the 2024/2025 dry season market sensitisation campaign on fire safety, in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the technology, the first of its kind in Abuja, would be installed across all markets in the FCT in due course.
“With this technology you do not need to call the fire service. Once you close your shop, and that device is installed in your shop, it will alert the fire services if there is any fire outbreak.
“Whether you are there or not, the fire service will move to the location to put out the fire,” he said.
The coordinator said the campaign was organised by Abuja Markets Management Ltd (AMML), in partnership with FCT Fire Service and Abuja Investments Company Ltd.
According to him, the campaign is designed to enhance market safety against fire outbreaks throughout the dry season.
Obuah said, “The goal is to safeguard lives, properties, and livelihoods in Abuja markets and other public and private places in the FCT.”
He pointed out that markets were vibrant hubs of economic activities and central to communities’ development and well-being.
The coordinator, however, said that markets were also uniquely vulnerable to fire outbreaks, particularly during the dry season.
“This period brings heightened risks due to factors such as increased temperatures, the use of flammable materials, and electrical overloads.
“This year’s campaign, therefore, underscores a shared dedication to enhancing market safety and resilience.
“Through proactive awareness, we empower traders and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to prevent fire disasters and respond effectively when emergencies occur,” he said.
Earlier, Mrs Onya Ojiji, acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, AMML, said that the fire safety sensitisation exercise across FCT markets was to insulate markets from fire disaster.
Ojiji said that the initiative was in compliance with the directive of FCT minister Nyesom Wike to keep FCT markets safe from fire disaster.
She said that the AMML was poised to constantly review its fire safety management structure and assess the functionality of firefighting equipment and infrastructure.
She added the agency was equally ready to evaluate and enforce the isolation of common areas from commercial activities.
“We are also taking more seriously, enforcement on proper storage or outright removal of fire- inducing materials in the markets, evaluation of egress and evacuation procedures.
“AMML is also undertaking periodic surveys of shop operators and security guards’ knowledge of fire safety matters within the market while embracing latest approaches and technology in fire prevention and control,” she said.
On his part, acting Director, FCT Fire Service, Zacchaeus Adebayo, pointed out that fire risk was high in the dry season, adding that the hot and dry conditions make markets particularly vulnerable.
“A single spark, a minor electrical fault, or careless handling of flammable materials can escalate into a devastating fire, resulting in enormous losses,” Adebayo said.
He said that the sensitisation campaign was not limited to AMML-managed markets but extends to all markets in the FCT, including those in the area councils.
He reiterated the service’s commitment to fire prevention and safety in all markets across the FCT. (NAN)
