Assessment of the Functional Availability of Fire-Fighting Equipment in Government-Owned Public Building in Abuja

Aliyu Muhammad; Onyebuchi Mogbo

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no7.2025.pg129.138

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Assessment of the Functional Availability of Fire-Fighting Equipment in Government-Owned Public Building in Abuja

Aliyu Muhammad, Onyebuchi Mogbo

Abstract

This study assessed the functional availability of fire-fighting equipment in government-owned public buildings in Abuja. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 377 purposively selected respondents, out of which 333 valid responses were analyzed, yielding an 88% response rate. The study employed descriptive statistics using SPSS to evaluate the availability, operability, and maintenance of 23 fire-fighting equipment types. Results revealed that while fire extinguishers (Mean = 4.32), emergency exit signs (4.10), and hose reels (3.95) were among the most available and functional, critical systems such as gas leak detectors (Mean = 1.75), fire command centres (1.89), and fire suppression systems (2.25) were poorly represented or dysfunctional. The wide standard deviations in several items indicated inconsistent maintenance practices across buildings. Findings highlight systemic weaknesses in fire protection infrastructure, including lack of integrated safety systems and underenforcement of fire safety regulations. The study concludes that although basic fire-fighting tools are present in many institutions, there is a significant shortfall in advanced safety systems and maintenance culture. It recommends regular audits, improved enforcement, and enhanced technical oversight to ensure compliance and improve public safety outcomes in Abuja’s public-sector infrastructure.

Keywords

Fire SafetyPublic BuildingsFire-Fighting EquipmentFunctional Availability and

References

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Assessment of the Functional Availability of Fire-Fighting Equipment in Government-Owned Public Building in Abuja

Abstract

Keywords

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