Signage Design for Night Market Operations in Jos, Plateau State

Night markets in Jos, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, represent a growing commercial phenomenon providing economic opportunity for traders who cannot secure daytime market spaces. However, the absence of effective signage, lighting-integrated communication systems, and wayfinding infrastructure at night market sites creates safety risks, reduces commercial visibility, and limits the formalisability of these markets within urban planning frameworks. This project investigates the design of a comprehensive signage system for night market operations in Jos, addressing the specific visual communication challenges posed by low-light environments. Field visits to three night markets in Terminus and Kwararafa areas of Jos involved observation of trading patterns, lighting conditions, hazard points, and communication needs. The signage system developed comprises retroreflective directional posts, solar-LED illuminated vendor identification signs, ground-marking tapes for pedestrian pathways, and fire and emergency exit symbols fabricated from fluorescent materials. All signage components were designed for simple installation and dismantling by market committees. Prototype evaluation was conducted during three market nights with one hundred and forty users who assessed visibility, navigational clarity, and perceived safety. Results confirmed a forty-two percent improvement in navigation efficiency and a significant reduction in reported pedestrian collisions and falls. The project recommends integration of the signage system into Jos North Local Government's market formalisation programme. Keywords: night market signage, low-light design, Jos, wayfinding, market infrastructure.