ASSESSMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR MANAGING FIRE DISASTER IN FCT ABUJA, NIGERIA

ASSESSMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR MANAGING FIRE DISASTER IN FCT ABUJA, NIGERIA

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Background of the Study

The escalating loss of life, property damage, and environmental consequences resulting from fire disasters have garnered international recognition about the necessity for a proactive approach to fire disaster management. This method aims to prevent possible dangers and address fire hazards at the pre-stage. The field of fire disaster management has had advancements, with more emphasis placed on preventative strategies and preparedness measures (Agbola & Falola, 2021). This observation stems from the recognition that unregulated fires continue to be a significant contributor to the occurrence of casualties, damages, and the devastation of both human lives and assets. Therefore, it is evident that a narrow emphasis solely on post-fire disaster activities, such as search and rescue operations and the provision of relief goods to those impacted by the disaster, is inadequate for achieving sustainable management of fire and other risks (Alabi et al., 2021).

The underlying principles that inform fire management practises worldwide revolve upon mitigating property loss, safeguarding human life, and minimising environmental destruction. Nevertheless, there is significant disparity in the local and institutional capacity to effectively implement this objective. According to Bello et al. (2021), it is widely acknowledged that no country, irrespective of its economic position and degree of development, has managed to establish a comprehensive resilience against fire disasters. However, it is observed that cities in poor nations are particularly characterised by limited capabilities in attaining sustainable fire disaster management. This paper examines the susceptibility of urban areas in emerging nations to adverse socioeconomic situations, inadequate governance structures, and substandard infrastructure amenities. The importance of fire safety is sometimes overlooked during the many stages of building development, including planning, design, construction, as well as repairs, renovations, modifications, and rehabilitation of existing structures. The prevalence of fire catastrophes in urban areas of developing nations, particularly in structures that have not implemented the lessons derived from previous incidents, is a significant concern. This pattern is observed in several Nigerian cities, including FCT Abuja, as highlighted by Dube (2015).

The efficacy of government-led fire management initiatives, such as those implemented by fire departments and emergency management organisations, has been limited. The distribution of relief items to aid individuals affected by fire disasters in FCT Abuja and other Nigerian cities appears to take precedence over proactive measures focused on prevention, mitigation, and preparedness (Egunjobi and Falola, 2017).

It is an inherent reality that communities or nations will inevitably encounter various forms of adversity, such as calamities, catastrophes, disasters, or emergencies, which can arise from either natural or human-induced causes. The Federal Government recognised the inevitability of disasters and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate their impact. Consequently, in 1999, a National Policy on Disaster Management was developed. This policy delineates the specific roles and responsibilities of the Federal, State, and Local Governments in effectively responding to disasters (Glago, 2020).

Throughout the years, many entities such as government at different levels, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), the private sector, international development partners, and United Nations agencies have implemented diverse policies and programmes in order to mitigate and address disaster scenarios. However, these efforts have been implemented in manners that might be characterised as less consistent and coherent. This approach maintains its receptiveness and lack of elegance in the absence of a clear and coherent strategic framework (Hallegatte et al., 2020).

The primary goal of the national strategy is to effectively coordinate disaster response and administration through the integration of disaster management into the national development process, with the aim of facilitating prompt and coordinated responses to any necessary conditions. The primary objective is to maximise the preservation of human lives during times of disaster, while also considering the potential positive effects on overall well-being, environmental utilisation, and economic development (Jonsson et al., 2017).

The strategy necessitates the implementation of Disaster Management frameworks at several tiers of governance (national, state, and local) inside Nigeria. The focus is centred on the principles of shared responsibility and the imperative to ensure proper inclusion and collaboration among stakeholders. The establishment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Federal level aims to mitigate the likelihood and severity of catastrophes (Ivanov et al., 2022).

It is imperative for every tier of government to enhance the capabilities of its disaster management agencies and infrastructure in order to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from catastrophic events. Institutional capacity refers to an organization's or institution's ability, resources, and readiness to effectively carry out its functions, achieve its objectives, and respond to challenges or demands. It encompasses various elements that contribute to an institution's overall capability, resilience, and efficiency in fulfilling its mandate. The agencies here have to enhance their capacities in the field of disaster management. The enhancement of capacities, such as staff strength, staff training, availability of suitable and effective equipment, and improvement in reaction time to fire catastrophes, should be undertaken with purposeful effort. The objective of the policy is to construct and enhance disaster management institutions, partnerships, networking, and the integration of disaster risk reduction into the development process. This is done with the purpose of bolstering the ability of vulnerable groups to withstand and handle impending calamities. The policy document also emphasised the need for proactive coordination of disaster risk reduction measures across all levels of government under a uniform policy framework (Olusegun & Samuel, 2022).

1.2       Statement of the Research Problem

The agencies responsible for addressing fire disasters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have encountered several hurdles in their efforts to mitigate such incidents. Agbili (2018) asserts that the fire service agencies in Abuja face several challenges. These include a deficiency in firefighting trucks, an insufficient number of fire stations to adequately cover the entire city of Abuja, non-functional hydrants, a shortage of staff, inadequate staff welfare, and inadequate provision of safety equipment for firefighters. These challenges have resulted in numerous casualties during the performance of their duties. Additionally, inadequate training of firefighters has resulted in the increased vulnerability of these individuals while confronting fire emergencies. Insufficient provision of essential equipment for fire disaster management leaves firefighters exposed and susceptible to hazard (Olusegun & Samuel, 2022). A portion of the existing equipment exhibits non-functionality, while others lack effectiveness, rendering them ineffectual. The absence of suitable housing options in close proximity to fire stations has presented a significant constraint on the ability of firefighters to promptly respond to fire incidents. The majority of individuals originate from remote locations and are unable to promptly address emergency calls unless they first report to their designated stations. There have been documented occurrences of delayed responses by fire services (Ivanov et al., 2022).

The article titled "In Abuja, Fire Stations are junkyards" published in The Punch on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, highlights the current state of fire stations in Abuja. It has been disclosed that the Federal Fire Services (FFS) possesses a total of seven stations situated across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, none of these stations currently possess more than one operational fire engine. Furthermore, the FFS headquarters itself is equipped with just two operable fire vehicles available for duty. The prevalent characteristic seen among these stations is the presence of inoperable fire engines scattered across the grounds of the fire service station. The trucks with functioning capabilities have the capacity to distribute around 1,500 gallons of water, however this quantity is depleted during a duration of no more than five minutes. The availability of additional equipment necessary for its functioning, such as air breathing devices, fire resistant garments, fire rate locks, fire blankets, telescopic fire warden signs, megaphones, first aid kits, as well as contemporary fire vehicles and helicopters, was limited or non-existent. These and many more has necessitated the researcher to evaluate the institutional capacity for fire disaster management in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, Nigeria, with specific emphasis on the Federal Fire Service.

1.3       Research Questions

            The following research questions guide this study:

1. What is the rate of fire disasters in FCT, Abuja?

2. Does the institution have the necessary equipment to manage fire disasters in FCT Abuja?

3. How effective are the equipment provided by the institution for managing fire disasters in FCT, Abuja?

4. What is the response time of the institution to fire disasters in FCT, Abuja?

5. What are the factors that affect the capacity of the institution in efficient management of fire disaster in FCT, Abuja?

1.4       Aim and Objectives of the Study

            The main objective of this study is to assess the institutional capacity for managing fire disaster in FCT Abuja, Nigeria. Other specific objectives includes:

1. To determine the rate of fire disasters in FCT, Abuja.

2. To examine the capacity of the institution for managing fire disasters in areas of the necessary equipment they have.

3. Assess the effectiveness of the equipment provided by the institution for managing fire disasters in FCT, Abuja.

4. To determine the capacity of the institution on their response time to fire disasters in FCT, Abuja.

5. To identify the factors that affect the capacity of the institution in efficient management of fire disaster in FCT, Abuja.

1.5       Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses are formulated and tested in this study:

Hypothesis One

Ho: The rate of fire disasters in FCT Abuja is not significant.

Ha: The rate of fire disasters in FCT Abuja is significant.

Hypothesis Two

Ho: The effectiveness of the equipment provided by the institution for managing fire disasters in FCT, Abuja is low.

Ha: The effectiveness of the equipment provided by the institution for managing fire disasters in FCT, Abuja is high.

Hypothesis Three

Ho: The response time of the institution to fire disasters in FCT, Abuja is low.

Ha: The response time of the institution to fire disasters in FCT, Abuja is high.

1.6       Significance of the Study

            This study will be greatly significant to the fire service departments as the findings of this study will reveal the importance and benefits of institutional capacity in managing fire disasters. The study will also show how provision of necessary and effective fire fighting equipment can boost the performance of the staff of the fire service in combating fire disaster.

            Additionally, the findings of this study will aid the federal government to provide the necessary equipment and technology to all the fire service agencies as this will increase efficiency and general work performance.

            Finally, this study will serve as a reference point for scholars and researchers and also contribute to the growing body of knowledge about institutional capacity and fire disaster management in Nigeria.

1.7       Scope of the Study

Broadly, this study focuses on assessing the institutional capacity for managing fire disaster in FCT Abuja, Nigeria. Specifically, the study focuses on determine the rate of fire disasters in FCT, Abuja, examining the capacity of the institution for managing fire disasters in areas of the necessary equipment they have, assess the effectiveness of the equipment provided by the institution for managing fire disasters in FCT, Abuja, determine the capacity of the institution on their response time to fire disasters in FCT, Abuja, and identify the factors that affect the capacity of the institution in efficient management of fire disaster in FCT, Abuja.

            This study will be delimited to the Federal Fire Service Headquarter, Abuja Fire Station at Mohammadu Buhari Way, Area 10, Garki.

1.8       Study Area

The Fire Service in Nigeria was established in 1901, as an arm of the Lagos Police Fire brigade. In April 1963, an act of Parliament established the Federal Fire Service. The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has the statutory responsibility for rescue fire prevention, mitigation, fire fighting as well as paramedical and information services. The Federal Government reform of the Fire Services in the country in 2007 redefined the mandate of the Service as Regulation of the State and Private Fire Services, Prescription and monitoring of standards for the promotion of fire education, fire prevention, safety, mitigation and investigation, Ensuring effective discharge of the functions of the State Fire Services, Provision of policy direction for the Nation’s Fire Services, Ensuring the standardization of fire and rescue equipment manufactured or imported into Nigeria, Encouraging the establishment by the State Fire Services of adequate number of fire stations and fire posts, Establishing the National Fire Academy to meet the training requirements of fire fighters in the country and beyond and Coordination of national emergencies. The Federal Government reform of the Federal Fire Service in 2007, redefined the mandate of the service which includes:

1. Regulation of the state and Private Fire Services

2. Prescription and Monitoring of standards for the promotion of fire education/enlightenment

3. Fire prevention, safety, mitigation and investigation

4. Ensuring effective discharge of the functions of the State Fire Services

5. Provision of fire service policies

6. Ensuring the standardization of fire and rescue equipments manufactured or imported into Nigeria

7. Encouraging the establishment of fire stations in the country

The Mandate of the Federal Fire Service also Includes:

1. Fire risk assessment in public buildings.

2. Enforcement of fire safety regulations in public buildings.

3. Inspection of construction works to ensure compliance with safety designs.

4. Fire safety awreness and education campaigns

5. Capacity building nd manpower development of the nation’s fire service through NFA.

6. Preparation of fire reports.

7. Issuance of fire certificates.

8. Regulation and registration of private fire outfits (fedfire.gov.ng).

 

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