ABSTRACT
Fire disaster is one of the most drastic disasters known to man. It’s wide and fast spread especially in populated areas and ability to consume everything reaffirms the severity of the aftermath of fire incidences. The study is majorly concentrated on the appraisal of existing institutional capacity in Niger state with a view to making recommendation for effective management of fire disasters in the state, in other to achieve this aim here are the objectives; to evaluate the experience(s) of fire disaster in Niger State, assess the capacity of the institutions for managing fire disaster in Niger State and examine the capacity building effort, and proffer strategies for improvement. The methodology used for this research work is primary and secondary source of data collection, where three agencies were sampled out of six that was identified for the study. The sampled agencies are Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Niger State Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps. Ninety-six (96) questionnaires were distributed to the disaster mangers that the study identified. The study reveals that majority of the staff were transferred from different department and/or ministry into the disaster agency. The fire service was the only agency that employed the bulk of its field officer directly. Also inadequate fire safety equipment, man-power and appropriate funding of the agency responsible for fire disaster are a serious problem affecting the performance of the agency. The study now recommends that; the first is to ensure that the political leadership is aware of the need for continuous institutional capacity building for disaster managers and sustainable human development. The second is to empower the people so that they, too, are aware of its importance, are vigilant and expose capacity gaps and insist on continuous institutional capacity building.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Disasters are severe happenings that cause extensive social interruption, destruction to property as well as loss of and trauma (Jamison, Breman, Measham, Alleyne, Claeson, Evans and Musgrove, 2006). In the Caribbean, a number of natural hazards have resulted in disasters. Human-induced or natural events that result to extreme adverse effects on humans, the environment, goods and services, which exceeds the capacity of the affected community’s ability to take decisive action is known as disaster. Steps taken prior to the occurrence of a disaster which is aimed at the reduction of its effects, inclusive of preparedness and long-standing measures for the reduction of risk are known as mitigation (Bankoff, Frerks, and Hilhorst, 2004). Various disasters like earthquake, landslides, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, flood and cyclones are natural hazards that kill thousands of people and destroy property worth billions of dollars and habitat every year (Marquet, 2012). The rapid growth of the world’s population and its increased concentration often in hazardous environment has escalated both the frequency and severity of natural disasters. With the tropical climate and unsustainable landforms; coupled with deforestation, unplanned growth proliferation, non-engineered construction (which makes the disaster prone areas more vulnerable), poor communication, little or no budgetary allocation for disaster prevention are all characteristics typical of developing countries. It is important to note that these countries are most affected whenever there is a disaster (Gbenga, 2007).
Globally, the year 2010 recorded many disasters like flood, hurricane, these disasters brought about serious economic and humanitarian consequences. Also Nigeria was not left out of those very sad incidences. Climate change is singled out as a major factor responsible for the increasing occurrences of flooding in many parts of the globe (Elaigwu, 2012).
It is a fact of life that at one time or another a community or nation will be faced with an adversity, a calamity, a catastrophe, a disaster or emergency, either natural or man-made. Realizing disaster as a fact of life and the need to prepare for its eventuality led the Federal Government to formulate a National Policy on Disaster Management in 1999, which is meant to cater for required responsibilities of the Federal, States and Local Governments respectively when disasters occur (Moore and Lakha, 2007).
Over the years, government at all levels, NGO’s and Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s), the private sector, International Development Partners and United Nations Agencies have pursued a wide range of strategies and programme to prevent and respond to disaster situations. Notwithstanding, these activities have been attempted in ways that can be best described as less steady and congruous (Godwin, 2000). This way remains receptive and ungraceful outside a lucid strategy schema.
The essential objective of the national policy is to coordinate disaster response and administration by mitigating disaster management in the national advancement process so as to encourage brisk and facilitated reaction to such circumstances as may be needed (Moore and Lakha, 2007). This is with the aim of saving as many lives as possible when disaster happens, taking into consideration that increased wellbeing will exhibit the utilization and pleasure regarding our surroundings and monetary improvement.
The approach mandates the establishment of Disaster Management structures at all levels of legislation (elected, states and neighborhood) in Nigeria. It fixates on the standards of imparted obligation and the need to guarantee legitimate incorporation and joint effort around stakeholders. There might be National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Federal level, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) at the state level, and Local Emergency Management Authority (LEMA) at the local government level. This to a substantial degree might reinforce the abilities of Federal, State and Local Governments to lessen the probability and seriousness of calamities.
Each level of government should build the capacity of their disaster administration establishment to get ready for, react to and recoup from catastrophic occasions. Federal, State and Local Government, significant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS), the Military, Police, Para-military and Civil Society Organizations (CSOS) should create their abilities in catastrophe administration. This abilities known as capacities should be improved consciously as first responders, and Emergency Management Volunteers (EMV) might be made to compliment the composed structures. Disaster Response Units (DRUS) might be created in diverse military installations in the nation over to give help to civil control throughout crises situations (Cullather, 2006). The policy is aimed at establishing and strengthening of disaster management institutions, partnerships, networking and main streaming disaster risk reduction in the development process, so as to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable groups to cope with potential disasters. The policy also highlighted coordination of disaster risk reduction initiatives within a unified policy framework in a proactive manner at all levels of Government (Carafano, 2003). The wide spread of disaster prone areas in a country as large as Nigeria requires that policy on disaster management should not only vary drastically from one area to another with respect to the same type of disaster but also that overlapping jurisdictions do not introduce unusual ambiguities and complexities in the interpretation and execution of policies.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was secured through Act 12 as amended by Act 50 of 1999, to oversee man-induced and natural disasters in Nigeria. Fundamentally, it defines arrangement on all exercises identifying with disaster administration and organizing the arrangements and projects for a nationwide effective and compelling reaction to disasters.
It doesn’t have a full complement of firefighting personnel, security work force, road marshals in addition to different outfits to battle such related emergencies like flooding, fire, communal clashes, pestilences and landslides. It is nonetheless statutorily for the organization to engage organize and direct other relevant institutions, for example, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, The Police, Fire Service and even the non-administrative association like Red Cross and Red Crescent, to meet people’s high expectations in overseeing catastrophe in the nation (Sherpa, 1995). This it showed throughout the last crisis between communities in Jos resulting to emergencies, flooding in Kogi, landslides in Cross River and fire disasters in markets in a few states (Kano and Sokoto states in particular) by organizing the evacuation of dislodged individuals and giving relief and succors to the impacted in the manifestations of relief materials for alleviation of their stress.
According to a news item in The Punch of Wednesday, June 8, 2011 titled “In Abuja, Fire Stations are junkyards”. It was revealed that “The Federal Fire Services (FFS) has seven stations across the FCT, but none of them has more than one functional fire engine while the headquarters has just two functional fire trucks in the service. The common feature of these stations is the dead fire engines that litter their premises of the fire service station. The functional trucks dispense about 1,500 gallons of water, which does not last beyond five minutes. Other equipment relevant to its operation such as the air breathing apparatus, fire resistant garment, fire rate lock, fire blanket, telescopic fire warden sign, megaphones, first aid kit as well as modern fire trucks and helicopters were in short supply, if available at all. If we compare Federal fire service (FFS) to other fire stations across the world,” the FFS is an infant at play”. The New York Fire Department reacts to approximately 260,000 non-fires and fire associated disasters and over a million crises and catastrophic situations annually including medical emergencies, disasters and terrorist acts. It maintains 250 fire houses and ambulance stations. This is not surprising as the department has a budget of $39.14bn just for its capital projects for 2010-2013. On the other hand, the FFS got N405m for its 2011 capital projects and N2.3bn as total allocation for the year”.
A common understanding from people interviewed in the field is that NEMA is widely known for circulating alleviation (relief) materials for casualties of disaster, which is largely a reactionary methodology to emergency. One of its successful proactive techniques is to instruct and brief people in general on prevention, anticipation and control measures for disasters. Thus, it sorts out interactive or question and answer sessions, workshops, seminars and press conferences customarily for distinctive stakeholders on the fundamental basis and steps to be taken during disasters or crisis situations. The members of these capacity building interactions include civil, social order associations, community leaders, NGOs, instructors, students and youths.
Most times, Staffs of the organization undertake sensitization and advocacy training to markets and communities to train artisans and trivial merchants on the need to have safety equipment and use safety wares in the event of the occurrence of fire disasters. This exercise is aimed at reducing the misfortunes when such disasters occur.
While there have been some local and national level activities concentrating on more extensive parts of the management of disasters, the several flooding in Niger and Kogi states, the most recent bomb blast in Suleja and the civil unrest in Minna that erupted as a result of fuel subsidy have certainly electrifies prominent backing and with that more amazing political association. Therefore, there is need for additional activities concentrated more on standard but workable strategies, evacuation drills and response plans at different levels of the society, particularly at the local levels as that will institutionalize such activities.
For NEMA to achieve its longing to screen the state of readiness of organizations to respond and mitigate the effects of disasters in Nigeria, it customarily arranges mock exercises with the cooperation of the stakeholders. The latest simulation or mock exercise was on the aeronautics sector that took place at Abuja International Airport. Fire Fighters, Security work force, disaster organizations and Health Workers witnessed the simulation exercise of battling to recover and clear assumed passengers in the span of a few minutes from a false airplane which was expected to have accidentlly arrived in thick smoke. The motivation behind such simulation activities is to test the competencies of the first response organizations in the occasion of a sudden occurrence.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 Aim of the Study
The primary aim of the research is to assess the existing institutional capacity in Niger state with a view to making recommendation for effective management of fire disasters in the state.
1.3.2 Objectives of the Study
i. To evaluate the experience(s) of fire disaster in Niger State.
ii. To assess the capacity of the institutions for managing fire disaster in Niger State.
iii. To examine the capacity building effort, and proffer strategies for improvement.
1.4 Justification of the Study
The pattern of flooding in the world does not show respect or distinction between rich and poor nations. For example, several towns in United States of America (USA) and towns in Haiti were equally inundated with food waters that swelled to rooftops and destroyed many economic and social structures; properties and lives (both animal and human) in the process.
Likewise, it is pertinent to undergo a well-planned and rational programme for the management of disaster since it is the basis for a disaster risk management policy. In this strategy, the distinctive parts of every level of government and different stakeholders are enunciated. An approach of this type might give transparent rules to foreseeable conduct of the unambiguous regulations for disaster administration and an unmistakably recommended pattern of such disaster administration with the parts of the diverse players and characters plainly characterized. Before the definition of this approach, the administration of disaster at every level of government have been personal with each actor carrying out its activities “to the best of their ability” and the duplication of functions which is an evitable risk under such conditions. This approach is accordingly vital with a specific goal which is to launch a coordinated methodology to the administration of disaster. Disasters ought to be analyzed not in isolation yet as great circumstances that influences the commonplace and activities of a populace. They should be analyzed also taken into consideration the advancement of the whole social frameworks in which they take place.
Human obstruction initiates the organic, physical, social and efficient procedures that should be with a specific end goal to expand the capacity to adapt to conceivable negative impact. It is vital to have sufficient data in numerous complex choices; as such information or knowledge is exceptionally significant to overcome issues of uncontrollable development, haphazard, decaying natural quality, loss of prime rural area, annihilation and untamed wildlife among others. This research would develop a comprehensive assessment in measuring the capacity and effectiveness of disaster management agency in Niger State that can be used by planners and environmentalist with emphasis on fire disaster.
1.5 Scope and Limitation of the study
The scope of the research was covering the local and national capabilities for efficient management of emergency risk in Niger State and its assessment is based on the NEMA Initiation Plan. The research will focus on enhancing the legal and institutional systems structure for the management of disaster risk in the Niger State. It evaluates the role of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Niger State Fire Service, Fire Academy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps in enhancing the legal instruments on disaster risk management. It will focus on the staff strength; Staff training, equipment and developing a State disaster management plan. Also it focuses on the need to strengthen disaster management coordination mechanisms at all level in the State.
1.6 Study Area
Niger state is situated in West-Central Nigeria and is bordered to the south by the Niger River. It shares boundary with states like Zamfara and Kebbi to the north, to its north and northeast by Kaduna, to the south and southeast by Kwara and Kogi respectively as shown in the Figure 1.1 below. On the eastern and western fringes of Niger State are the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Republic of Benin respectively. The environment comprises basically of lush savannas and incorporates the floodplains of the River Kaduna.
Raiding of slaves by the Fulani multitudes of the Nupe and Kontagora kingdoms in the nineteenth century extremely drained the locale and the existence of tsetse fly (that spreads trypanosomiasis or also known as sleeping ailment) has thwarted resettlement. The territory of Niger was established by Britain in 1908 and referred to as Nupe region from the year 1918 to 1926. The region incorporated the Agaie, Abuja, Kontagora, Lapai and Bida emirates, the Gbagyi (Gwari), Wushishi and Kamuku kingdoms and the federation of Zuru. In 1967, the Niger territory turned into the southern portion of North-Western states and in the year 1976; it became known as Niger state (avoiding the recently created Federal Capital Territory). In the year 1991, some portion of northwestern Kwara state, situated between River Niger and the Republic of Benin was joined to Niger state.
The main tribes in Niger State includes the Gwari to the east, the Nupe people to the south, the Busa to the west, and the Hausa, Kambari (Kamberi), Kamuku, Fulani and Dakarawa (Dakarki) to the north.
Most Nigerlites are agriculturists from birth. Shea-nuts, Cotton, groundnuts (peanuts) and yams are grown both for domesticated utilization and exports. Millet, sorghum, maize (corn), cowpeas, palm oil and pieces, tobacco, sugarcane, kola nuts and fish are bred and are important items for neighborhood exchange. Paddy rice is generally cultivated as an economic crop in the flood plains of the Kaduna and Niger rivers, particularly in territories surrounding Bida emirate. Cows, sheep, goats, guinea fowl and chickens are reared for their meat both for domestic and trade purposes. In the environs of Minna pigs are kept and made available to be purchased to the southern parts of Nigeria.
Iron, gold, quartz and tin (utilized by glass experts located in parts of Bida) are dug basically for indigenous experts. Metal work, pottery, fabricators of glass, articles made from raffia and indigenously colored fabrics are critical items for exportation. Kwakuti close to Minna is a location where marble is mostly quarried; while a brick manufacturing plant is situated in Minna, the state capital. Niger state government is a stakeholder in every one of the three dams of the Niger Dams Project that incorporates one at Shiroro, another at Gorge on the Kaduna River and one located at Jebba (in Kwara state) with its reservoir lying in part in Niger state. The Dam at Kainji (commissioned in 1969) and a portion of its reservoir, Kainji Lake, could additionally be identified in Niger state. Other than the production of hydroelectric power, the dams are utilized for the management of irrigation ventures and fishing (angling) which has created an enterprise based on the water reserves of dams. A large portion of Kainji Lake National Park (once Borgu Game Reserve) is situated in Niger state.
The two most populated and improved towns in Niger state are Minna and Bida and additionally the primary centers of learning with teachers training institutes, a federal university of technology located in Minna and a polytechnic establishment in Bida. A rice research institute and an agricultural exploration institute are located close to Bida area. A rail line from Lagos navigates Niger state with its principle thruway structure that passes north of the rail line and serves the business towns of Kontagora, Mokwa, Tegina, Kusheriki and Kagara. The other expansive towns found in the state of Niger are serviced by systems of neighborhood roads. The state has an area mass of about 29,484 square miles (76,363 km2) and population was estimated to 3,950,249m (NPC, 2006).
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
ASSESSMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR MANAGING FIRE DISASTER IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
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