Manny Ita –
The Federal Government of Nigeria and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress have jointly donated ₦8 billion to victims of the devastating fire that recently razed the popular Singer Market in Kano. The intervention is aimed at supporting thousands of traders whose goods and sources of livelihood were destroyed in the inferno.
Announcing the donation during a visit to the affected area, officials described the incident as a major economic setback not only for the traders but also for the wider commercial ecosystem of the state. A representative of the federal delegation stated that the assistance was intended to help victims rebuild their businesses and restore normal commercial activities. “This support is to cushion the hardship faced by traders and ensure that economic life returns to the market as quickly as possible,” the official said.
Leaders of the APC Governors’ Forum noted that the collective contribution reflects solidarity with the people of Kano State and recognition of the market’s importance as a major trading hub in northern Nigeria. They pledged continued engagement with state authorities to facilitate rehabilitation efforts and prevent future disasters.
Traders who lost merchandise valued at millions of naira expressed mixed emotions, welcoming the intervention while urging transparency in the distribution process. One affected shop owner said the fire had wiped out years of investment overnight, adding that “many families have been left without income, so this assistance is urgently needed.”
Emergency agencies had earlier reported that the blaze spread rapidly through the densely packed stalls before firefighters were able to bring it under control. Preliminary findings suggested that highly combustible materials stored in the market contributed to the scale of destruction, though investigations into the exact cause were ongoing.
Officials indicated that modalities for disbursing the funds would be announced in collaboration with the state government and market leadership to ensure that genuine victims benefit. Authorities also reiterated calls for improved fire safety measures in major markets across the country to prevent similar tragedies.
