Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged Federal Government’s support to prevent future market fire outbreaks after a devastating inferno ripped through Kano’s Singer Market, causing billions of naira in losses.
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to work with Kano State government during a meeting in Abuja with business leaders from the affected area.
He confirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s promised N5billion in immediate relief—channelled through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs—had cleared all paperwork following a preliminary damage assessment.
“The N5bn was based on your initial report,” Shettima told a delegation led by Sabiu Bako, president of the Association of Kano Business Community.
“Had it been N20bn, I’m sure the president would have approved that.”
The Vice President stressed transparency in how the funds are managed and used.
Kano State government has meanwhile, launched a 23-member committee to distribute N8bn in aid and materials to traders.
Chaired by Secretary to the State Government Umar Faruq—who was represented by Attorney-General Abdulkarim Maude—the panel includes officials from emergency services, police, state security, the emirate council, religious leaders, and traders themselves.
Faruq said the diverse lineup would ensure “transparent, accountable and equitable” payouts, building public trust and preventing abuse.
The business leaders urged the federal government for more: an interest-free loan scheme with 10-year repayments, plus help rebuilding safer market infrastructure.
Separately, Bayero University lecturer Prof Mainasara Kurfi decried opportunistic price gouging by some Kano traders amid Ramadan.
In a Facebook post, he called on them to “fear Allah” and prioritise citizens’ welfare in tough times.
