Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Traders from Kano’s fire-ravaged Singer Market have expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for its swift N5 billion relief pledge, as Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preventing future infernos in the state’s bustling markets.
According to the media aide to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, speaking during a thank-you visit by the Association of Kano Business Community, led by its President, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has directed federal agencies to collaborate with Kano State on proactive fire safety measures. The inferno, which gutted several sections of the popular market, caused billions of naira in losses to goods and business capital.
“All necessary documentation has been made by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to release the N5 billion pledge,” Shettima assured the delegation. He emphasised President Tinubu’s empathy, quoting him as having given a “blanket cheque” for support based on preliminary damage assessments. “Be rest assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has you at heart,” Shettima said. “If the level of damage was up to N20 billion, I am absolutely certain that the President would have approved that amount.”
Other News
The Vice President stressed transparency in fund disbursement, urging, “The disbursement and utilisation of the funds must be transparently done for posterity.” He also announced plans to engage trader associations in implementing fire safety protocols, stating: “Government intends to engage your association to also introduce fire safety measures to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidence to safeguard the lives and properties of our people.”
Shettima highlighted broader economic revival efforts for Kano, Nigeria’s industrial hub, pointing to the nearly complete $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project. This includes a 1,350 MW independent power plant at 80% completion, poised to resuscitate dormant industries. “With the AKK, I believe Kano will bounce back to life again because power is sine qua non for any industrial take-off,” he said. “Kano used to have as many as a thousand industries, and they will be revived.”
Earlier, Bako appealed for an interest-free special loan facility with up to 10-year repayment terms for affected traders, alongside federal aid to rebuild safer market infrastructure. “Kano’s business community is resilient. Our traders are industrious men and women who ask not for handouts, but for a bridge back to productivity,” he declared. “With structured support and sustained collaboration, Singer Market will rise again, stronger, safer, and more vibrant than ever.”
Bako profusely thanked President Tinubu and the Progressive Governors’ Forum for their rapid response, which contained further damage. “We are profoundly grateful… The donation of N5 billion has provided immediate succour and renewed hope among our people,” he added, reaffirming the community’s commitment to partnering with the government.
