Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured traders affected by the devastating fire at Kano's Singer Market (also known as Singa or GSM Market) that the Federal Government is set to release N5 billion in relief funds pledged by President Bola Tinubu.
The announcement came during a recent engagement with a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa. Shettima confirmed that all required documentation has been finalized by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate the prompt disbursement of the funds.
The inferno, which occurred on Sallah Day, destroyed large sections of the bustling market, causing billions of naira in losses to goods, shops, and business capital for hundreds of traders.
President Tinubu had directed Shettima to lead a federal delegation to Kano shortly after the incident to express sympathy and assess the damage on behalf of the government. The N5 billion intervention was approved based on preliminary evaluations of the destruction.
Shettima noted that if assessments had shown greater losses—such as up to N20 billion—the president would have approved a correspondingly larger sum.Emphasizing transparency, the Vice President stated: “The disbursement and utilisation of the funds must be transparently done for posterity.”
He reiterated the government's commitment to collaborate with the Kano State government and relevant agencies to implement proactive fire safety measures, preventing future occurrences in markets across the state.
Shettima also highlighted broader efforts to revive Kano's economy, pointing to the near-completion of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, which he described as critical for restoring reliable power and breathing new life into the region's industries.
In response, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, President of the Association of Kano Business Community, expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the swift intervention and compassionate response. He described the N5 billion as a vital bridge to help resilient traders return to productivity, vowing that—with structured support Singer Market would emerge stronger and safer.
This relief forms part of a larger support package, as the Kano State Government has since set up a committee to disburse a total of N8 billion, incorporating the federal N5 billion alongside N3 billion contributed by the Progressive Governors Forum.
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