Monday Market Inferno: Measures To Forestall Future Occurrence -By Abubakar Shettima

Maiduguri Monday Market is the main market situated in the heart of Maiduguri, Borno State. It was established in 1979 by the then administration of Mohammed Goni of blessed memory.

Since then, it has accommodated thousands of traders and mountainous number of patronizers who come as far as neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon. 

Within the period of its existence, the market had recorded series of fire outbreak—major and minor—which resulted to lost of millions of naira.

It is worthy to note, the state is steadily recuperating from its economic hardship orchestrated by insurgents–for a decade-plus-long, then comes the recent fire outbreak that engulfed the entire market. 

While sympathizing with all the affected businessmen, Borno State government and management of the market, it’s pertinent to devise some stringent measures if carefully considered, will prevent future occurrences.

THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. It is exhilarating to learn that the market has an existing plan. That alone simplifies the equation we ought to deploy in tackling future disaster. The management as a matter of urgency, should adhere strictly to the original plan of the market. Ensure no one trades outside the purview of the plan.

2. Construction of Firefighters Station within the market. This helps significantly and ensures timely response in order to control and curtail the widespread and or destruction whenever inferno of such kind occurs. Although, we not praying.

3. Redesign and modernize the market. Many of the traders are habitually attached to the market in question. It is on this basis, the government should construct—if need be— two storey building. Allocate ground and first floors for business, while second floor to serve as store. This will accommodate large number of tradesmen.

4. Provision of Fire Hydrate in strategic locations within the market. This has been the practice not only in market places, but also in residential areas and corporate organisations.

5. All petty traders occupying pathways and tarred road within the market—hitherto designed to ease vehiculer movement—should be allocated shops in the newly built market along Bama road or they should be convinced to relocate to Bolori market, Abba Ganaram market, Muna or Kano park. Thus, It depopulates the market and brings about easy access. 

6. To achieve all these, a competent supervisory team must be setup to supervise and punished accordingly if one found trading at a restricted point. The team will also determines the effectiveness and efficiency of policy and laws governing the operation within the market and its environs.