The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the distribution of N8 billion in financial aid and relief materials to traders affected by the devastating fire at Singer Market.
The fire, which struck the Singer Market in two separate incidents, caused significant economic losses. Goods worth billions of naira were destroyed, wiping out the business capital of many traders, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Singer Market, a major commercial hub in Kano, serves thousands of small and medium-scale traders. The fire disrupted trading activities, leaving many without a source of income.
Committee’s Role and Composition
During the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in distributing the intervention funds. Represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, Faruq stated that the committee members were carefully selected to ensure credibility and public trust.
The committee, chaired by the SSG, includes representatives from key institutions such as:
- Relevant state ministries
- The State Emergency Management Agency
- The Nigeria Police Force
- The Department of State Services
- The Kano Emirate Council
- Religious leaders
- Affected traders
This diverse composition aims to strengthen oversight and minimize the risk of misuse during the disbursement process.
Mandate and Objectives
The committee has been tasked with:
- Conducting a detailed assessment of the fire’s impact, including the value of goods lost and the extent of capital destruction.
- Developing a clear framework for distributing financial aid and relief materials efficiently.
- Ensuring that only genuine victims receive support.
Background
The fire broke out on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, and continued into Sunday, destroying over 1,000 shops in the densely packed market. The incident crippled livelihoods and affected hundreds of families who depend on daily trading activities.
In response, President Bola Tinubu approved N5 billion in palliative support for the victims, while the Progressive Governors Forum contributed an additional N3 billion to aid recovery efforts.
