In his effort to draw the attention of the authority concern on the dangerous trend of overcrowding that perpetuate our stadiums in Nigeria, Jamili Uba Adamu, the Sports Officer of the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as well as a sports analyst appealed to those in authority to do what is needed to halt it before it is late.
A member of security committee of the Kano State Football Association, Jamilu Uba did what is needful and should be commended for his valid observation as well as a good job.
I called it a good job because of the fact that he has not only seen a dangerous mistake which if care is not taken will not only result in a possible disaster but quickly highlighted and drew the attention of those concerned so as to do the right thing and stop it.
He was of the opinion that, in modern football administration, some substantial investments must be made in training security personnel and others on crowd control measures, so as to ensure that spectators and players are safeguarded before, during and after matches.
This according to him can be done by allowing only the right number of spectators into the stadium during matches or any other gathering.
The NDLEA officer wondered why a stadium like Sani Abacha Stadium (SAS) Kofar Mata, Kano with a capacity of 16,100 will be allowed to be grossly overcrowded with nearly 30,000 football spectators during a league match.
He bravely pointed out that the SAS overcrowding was due to the overselling of tickets which posed a significant threat and danger not to the structure alone but to the lives of thousands of people.
Jamilu observed that if anything negative could happen (God forbid), the result of the consequences of a disaster that would happen would be too catastrophic to contemplate.
He then urged both the State FA, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the management of Kano Pillars and the stadium management to act past and devise means of checkmating this ugly practice.
“It is imperative that the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and other stakeholders take proactive steps to address this ticking time bomb before it is late,” Jamilu Uba Adamu stated.
The Kano NDLEA o/c Sports then urged the NPFL to encourage teams to educate their fans and security personnel on crowd control and ticket sales so as to halt the stadium overcrowding.
He called for the training of supporters club, stewards and security officers on the importance of safety measures, such as emergency evacuation procedures, first aid and access control measures.
“Clubs are to be held accountable for ensuring that their stadiums meet minimum safety standards.
“The benefits of prioritizing safety and security in our football stadiums extend beyond preventing disasters,” he explained.
He lastly called on the NPFL, the FAs and clubs to treat the issue of safety and security in our football stadia with the urgency it deserves.
“By investing in education and training all relevant stadium personnel, through that we can prevent tragedies and ensure that football matches remain thrilling in a safe and secure atmosphere. As the saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine. Let us act now to safeguard lives,” Jamilu ended.
Honestly, I cherished and commended Jamilu Uba Adamu for his foresight and bravery for calling a spade a spade.
I also salute him for seeing what the Kano FA, Kano Pillars management, stadium management and even Sports Commission failed to see or regard as anything simply because at the end of any encounter they will collect a huge amount as their shares.
I doubt if they are thinking of the negative consequences it will result if anything negative occurred.
To me, they didn’t foresee anything bad or danger in the overcrowded SAS simply because they are more interested in the money they will get after the match, not minding on the danger and catastrophe it will result in the lives of spectators, the facility and the state in general.
As Jamilu rightly observed, it is our hope that those will wake up from their slumber and start prioritizing safety and security of the spectators and the facility.
They should know that stampede, or a crowd crush, occurs when an area becomes overcrowded and unmanaged.
Records have shown that there were some reported incidents of deaths in Nigerian stadiums due to overcrowded facilities.
In 2001 there was a stampede in Surulere Stadium where 10 people died and over 50 were injured during a World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana.
In 2009 at the Abuja National Stadium, one person died and several others were injured in a stampede during a friendly match between Nigeria and Ireland.
Similarly, in 2012 at the Kano Pillars Stadium, 2 people died and several others were injured in a stampede during a Nigerian Premier League match between Kano Pillars and Heartland FC.
In 2017, a stampede occurred in Uyo Township Stadium where one person died and several others were injured during a World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Zambia.
Enyimba International Stadium also recorded a stampede in 2019 in which one person died and several were injured during a Nigerian Premier League match between Enyimba FC and MFM FC.
Also in 2000 there was a stampede at the Lagos National Stadium and 5 people died and over 50 were injured during a friendly match between Nigeria and Cameroon.
In 2005 there was another case in Abeokuta Stadium where 2 people died and several were injured during a Nigerian Premier League match between Gateway FC and Enyimba FC.
In 2011 another one occurred in the Ibadan Stadium in which one person died and several were injured during a Nigerian Premier League match between Shooting Stars FC and Enyimba FC.
In Africa too, there were some reported incidents of deaths and injuries in stadiums due to overcrowding.
In 2012, there was a reported case of death and injuries in Port Said Stadium, Egypt disaster, where about 74 people died and over 1,000 were injured in a riot during a football match between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly.
Another stampede also occurred in 2015 in the Cairo International Stadium stampede where 22 people died and over 50 were injured during a football match between Zamalek and ENPPI.
In South Africa precisely in 2001 at the Ellis Park Stadium another disaster was recorded in which 43 people died and over 100 were injured during a football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Another fracas was recorded there in 2017 at the FNB Stadium where 2 people died and over 20 were injured during a football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
In 2017, there was another disaster in Estádio 11 de Novembro of Angola where 17 people died and over 50 were injured during a football match between Recreativo do Libolo and Primeiro de Agosto.
Morocco too had its share of stampedes in 2018 where one person died and over 10 were injured in Stade Mohammed V stampede during a football match between Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca.
In Congo, there was a reported case of stampede in 2019 in Stade des Martyrs where 4 people died and over 20 were injured during a football match between AS Vita Club and TP Mazembe.
In 2017, one person died and over 10 were injured in a stampede during a football match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards in Nyayo National Stadium, Kenya
In Tanzania one person died and over 10 were injured in a stampede during a football match between Simba SC and Young Africans in 2018: National Stadium stampede.
In Zambia, 2017, one person died and over 10 were injured in a stampede during a football match between Zambia and Nigeria in Heroes National Stadium stampede.
Here in West Africa, Ghana was not exempted as in 2001 in Accra Sports Stadium, 126 people died and over 200 were injured during a football match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
In 2013 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Ghana, one person died and over 10 were injured during a football match between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
These incidents no doubt highlight the importance of prioritizing safety and security measures in stadiums so as to avert any unfortunate situation.
I expect the Kano Pillars stadium management with all stakeholders to join forces together and do the needful to forestall being in the news worldwide.
So to prevent stadium stampedes and overcrowding incidents in Nigeria and Sani Abacha Stadium in particular, bookmakers have put the following measures and must be considered.
Pre-Event Measures: Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards; Develop and implement crowd management plans; Ensure adequate staffing and training for security, stewards, and emergency responders; Install CCTV cameras and monitoring systems and Implement access control measures (e.g., ticketing, turnstiles).
Others are to conduct regular safety inspections and maintenance of facilities and Develop and communicate emergency response plans.
Event-Day Measures: Monitor crowd density and movement; Implement crowd control measures (e.g., barriers, cordons); Ensure clear communication and signage; Provide adequate lighting and visibility; Deploy emergency response teams and Monitor weather conditions and have contingency plans.
Crowd Management Measures: Implement queue management systems; Use crowd monitoring software; Train staff on crowd management techniques; Ensure clear exit routes and emergency exits and Provide adequate sanitation and amenities.
Safety Measures: Install safety barriers and fencing; Ensure structural integrity of the stadium; Provide emergency response equipment (e.g., first aid kits, fire extinguishers); Conduct regular safety drills and training and Ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Regulatory Measures: Enforce strict ticketing and access control; Establish clear safety guidelines and regulations; Conduct regular inspections and audits; Implement penalties for non-compliance and Collaborate with law enforcement agencies.
Public Awareness Measures: Educate spectators on safety procedures; Display safety information and signage; Provide clear instructions on emergency procedures; Conduct public awareness campaigns and Encourage spectator responsibility.
Technology Integration: Implement digital ticketing systems; Use crowd monitoring and analytics software; Install smart CCTV cameras; Utilize social media for emergency communication and Leverage mobile apps for safety information.
Interagency Collaboration: Collaborate with law enforcement agencies; Work with emergency response teams; Involve local authorities in safety planning; Share safety information and best practices and Conduct joint training exercises.
Continuous Improvement: Conduct regular safety audits and assessments; Review and update safety plans; Gather feedback from spectators and staff; Implement lessons learned from incidents and continuously train and up skill staff.
To most of us, implementing these measures in the Nigerian stadiums SAS inclusive can reduce or eradicate the risk of stampedes, overcrowding incidents and ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for spectators.
In the alternative, the management of the stadium should liaise with the state government through ministry of sports to provide the Stadium with the Out-Door TV outside the stadium or in some locations to reduce overcrowding.
The BRICS summit in Kazan, chaired by Russia from October 22–24, 2024, has drawn great international attention. After all, it conveys many messages in the current and future geopolitical contexts.
