Back

Public Gathering and Event Management: A Case Study of the Stampede Incident in Ibadan

Introduction

The tragic stampede that occurred at the Christmas funfair event, organized by the former queen of Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, and the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024, has brought to light the critical necessity of implementing stringent health and safety guidelines for events and public gatherings. The event, which was intended to accommodate only 5,000 children, unfortunately turned disastrous due to overcrowding and the absence of proper emergency protocols. According to Channels Television, about 35 children died as a result of the ensuing chaos, a tragedy that has prompted widespread reactions in Nigerian and international media.

With this background in mind, this article aims to highlight the guiding rules and principles of events and public gatherings in Nigeria, relevant legal provisions, and the necessary measures organizers must take into consideration in order to ensure safety and compliance with the law.

 

Importance of Duty of Care in Event Planning

Even without being a professional event planner, one may find themselves organizing common events such as birthdays, weddings, or burials. Additionally, individuals who are philanthropists or members of charitable organizations may engage in distributing gifts to large crowds. In such instances, as a host of any event, it is imperative to recognize the duty of care owed to every attendee. Failure to fulfill this duty of care may result in accountability for any negative issues or damages that arise due to negligence.

 

Recent Stampede Incidents in Nigeria

Cases of stampede have been on the increase in recent time in Nigeria. Some of the recent ones, are the Abuja stampede that happened at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on December 21, 2024, and the Anambra stampede that occurred at Amamaranta Stadium in Okija on December 21, 2024, during a rice distribution event organized by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, a business man and philanthropist. It is beyond dispute that the organizers of the aforementioned events had genuine intentions to contribute positively to society. However, given the context of Nigeria, it is essential to acknowledge the prevailing challenges and realities. Hence, when organizing an event or public gathering, it is essential to put certain measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees.

 

Existing Legal Provisions on Events and Public Gathering in Nigeria

In Nigeria, public gatherings and event management are governed by various laws and regulations to ensure safety, security, and orderliness. The existing laws and regulations include:

  1. Public Order Act 1979

The Public Order Act (Cap P42, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004) is one of the primary laws regulating public gatherings. Section 1 of the Act is to the effect that individuals or groups intending to hold public meetings, rallies, or processions in any public road or place of public resort are expected to obtain a permit from the Commissioner of Police in the state where the event is to be held. In essence, this law aims to prevent public disorder and ensure that such gatherings do not disrupt public peace.

  1. Nigerian Tourism Development Act 2022

The Nigerian Tourism Development Act of 2022 (NTDA 2022) provides a regulatory framework for tourism-related activities, including event management. It ensures that businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector, such as event and convention centers, operate in a structured and sustainable manner.

Section 4.1 of the Act addresses the classification, accreditation, and grading of tourism organizations, including event and convention centers, in accordance with standards set by the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). It ensures that these establishments meet quality assurance, consumer protection, public health, and safety standards.

According to Section 4.2 of the Act, the NTDA has the power to impose and enforce sanctions on tourism establishments that fail to comply with the established standards. This includes event and convention centers that do not adhere to the required guidelines.

  1. Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018

The Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in various areas, including access to public premises and services. According to Section 3 of the Act, public buildings and premises are required to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Additionally, Section 4 makes it clear that there must be provision of ramps, accessible toilets, and other necessary facilities that can aid the accessibility of persons with disabilities into public premises.

Furthermore, section 14 requires the provision of assistive services and facilities, such as sign language interpreters and accessible seating, at public events and venues. Thus, event organizers must provide these assistive services and facilities to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate fully in events.

 

Guiding Rules and Principles of Event and Public Gatherings

Considering the global standard practices adopted in events and public gathering, the following principles are crucial for events and public gatherings in Nigeria.

  1. Risk Assessment

Organizers must conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate them. This process involves evaluating the venue’s capacity and layout to prevent overcrowding, assessing the expected number of attendees, and identifying potential hazards such as fire risks or structural weaknesses. Additionally, organizers must anticipate possible emergency scenarios, such as medical emergencies or natural disasters, and implement measures to mitigate these risks.

  1. Crowd Control

Crowds are an integral part of events and often exceed the projected number of attendees. Managing such crowds can be challenging at times; however, the use of control measures, such as barriers, signage, and trained personnel, can significantly aid in managing the flow of people and preventing overcrowding. Furthermore, enlisting civil defense or paramilitary forces can help with crowd control operations to guarantee a safe and orderly environment for all attendees.

  1. Emergency Preparedness

This is critical to maintaining the safety of attendees at any event. Organizers must create a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes clearly defined evacuation routes to ensure quick and orderly exits in the event of an emergency. The first aid stations should be ideally situated and staffed by trained medical personnel to take care of any health concerns that may arise. It is also important to employ effective communication strategies in order to ensure that event staff and attendees receive timely and accurate information during a dire situation. This involves using public address systems, cellphone notifications, and specified communication channels to coordinate reactions and issue instructions.

  1. Compliance with Regulations

Compliance with local laws and regulations is essential when planning events or public gatherings. Event organizers must follow specific requirements of the Public Order Act, which include acquiring permits and licenses to guarantee the event is handled legally and safely. This includes obtaining a permit from the Commissioner of Police in the state where the event will be conducted, as required by Section 1 of the Public Order Act. Depending on the nature and magnitude of the event, organizers may also be required to secure additional licenses, such as fire safety permits, health and sanitation permits, and noise control permits.

 

Necessary Measures for Event Organizers

Event organizers must implement several essential measures to ensure the safety and security of attendees. This includes selecting a venue that can safely accommodate the expected number of attendees and has adequate facilities and exits. Security measures such as deploying security personnel, using surveillance cameras, and conducting bag checks are crucial for managing crowds and preventing unauthorized items from entering the venue. Health and safety protocols, including first aid stations, proper sanitation, and medical personnel on standby, must be in place. Effective crowd management can be achieved through barriers, designated entry and exit points, and clear signage. Additionally, organizers should create and disseminate an emergency response plan that includes evacuation routes and procedures. Compliance with local regulations and obtaining all necessary permits and licenses are imperative. Finally, maintaining transparency with attendees about safety measures and being accountable for any incidents that occur are essential for creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

 

Conclusion

The stampede incident suggests the importance of proper public gathering and event management. Thus, observing the guiding rules and principles and implementing the stated necessary measures can help event organizers to prevent tragedies and ensure the safety of all attendees. It is crucial for organizers to prioritize safety, transparency, and compliance with regulations to create a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.

Recommendation

While there are existing laws and regulations that address various aspects of events and public gatherings in Nigeria, there is a growing need for comprehensive legislation that specifically addresses the unique challenges and requirements of organizing events in the country. The National Assembly could consider enacting specific legislation in this regard that provides clearer guidelines and standards for event organizers to ensure that events are conducted safely, professionally, and in compliance with international best practices.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *