Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sadness over the fire outbreak at Ede Plaza in Jabi Market, Abuja.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, sympathised with traders, artisans, workers, families and business owners whose goods, investments and livelihoods were affected by the incident.
The fire reportedly broke out in the early hours of Sunday at Ede Plaza, located in Jabi Market, beside Sandralia Hotel in Abuja.
Obi said the losses suffered by those affected went beyond damaged or destroyed merchandise, noting that many businesses represented years of savings, borrowing, sacrifice and hope.
“My heart goes out to the traders, artisans, workers, families and business owners whose goods, investments and livelihoods may have been affected by this unfortunate incident,” he said.
“For many of them, what has been lost is not simply merchandise; it represents years of savings, borrowing, sacrifice, hope and the determination to build a better life.”
The former governor warned that Nigeria could not afford to continue losing businesses and livelihoods to disasters that could potentially be prevented or better managed.
He described small businesses as the backbone of the Nigerian economy, stressing that the destruction of a single business could have wider consequences for families, employees and communities.
“Each time this happens, we gradually lose our productive capacity. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and when a trader loses a shop, we should understand that a family may lose its income, children may lose educational opportunities, workers may lose their jobs, and an entire community may suffer economic instability,” Obi said.
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He argued that the incident should prompt authorities to strengthen emergency-response mechanisms across the country rather than wait for another market disaster before taking action.
According to him, fire services must be properly equipped, adequately staffed and capable of responding rapidly whenever emergencies occur.
“As we grieve what has happened at Jabi Market, let us not wait for another market to burn before we act,” he said.
“Let this tragedy become a reason to strengthen our emergency-response systems, especially by ensuring that our fire service is properly equipped, adequately staffed and capable of responding swiftly to emergencies.”
Obi also called for greater protection of small businesses and improved safety standards in commercial areas.
He said Abuja and Nigeria as a whole must become safer environments for people to live, work and invest.
The former governor further prayed for the affected traders and business owners, asking God to comfort those who suffered losses and restore the livelihoods destroyed by the fire.
“May God comfort every person affected by this disaster, restore the livelihoods that have been lost, and grant our emergency responders the strength and wisdom required at this difficult moment,” he said.
Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that Nigeria could achieve greater safety and prosperity.
“A safer and more prosperous Nigeria is possible,” he added.