Abuja, 10 February 2026 – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja Operations Office (AOO), in partnership with key emergency management agencies, has launched a comprehensive fire safety awareness campaign at Wuse Market to equip traders and market users with essential knowledge on fire prevention and emergency response.
Speaking at the event, NEMA AOO Head of Operations, Abubakar Zakari, stressed the critical role of safety consciousness in preventing market fire outbreaks, noting that “most market fires are preventable with the right knowledge, vigilance, and proper behavioural practices.” He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the vision of NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who has consistently advocated proactive safety measures, community engagement, and disaster risk reduction to protect lives and livelihoods.
Zakari urged traders to adopt safe practices, including proper electrical installations, careful handling of flammable materials, safe storage of fuel and chemicals, and prompt reporting of hazards. He also encouraged market leadership to form safety committees and collaborate with emergency agencies for early warning and rapid intervention during emergencies.
The campaign saw active participation from the NEMA NYSC Vanguard, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Officers delivered lectures on fire prevention, first response, evacuation procedures, and the use of basic firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and sand buckets.
A practical fire control demonstration allowed traders to practice using fire extinguishers and fire blankets, boosting their confidence in handling minor fire incidents before they escalate. A question-and-answer session followed, helping dispel myths and reinforce safety messages.
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Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed to ensure continued awareness beyond the campaign. The exercise concluded with light refreshments and interactive media engagements to further highlight the importance of community-based disaster risk reduction.
The sensitisation drive forms part of NEMA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience through public education, capacity building, and multi-agency collaboration, aiming to reduce the incidence and impact of market fire disasters nationwide.
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