Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, directed Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, to lead a federal delegation to Kano State. This action followed a major fire at Singer Market. The incident caused billions of naira in losses.
Fire Ravages Singer Market
The fire started on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday morning. It destroyed goods worth over N5 billion and affected more than 1,000 businesses. Authorities reported that the blaze spread rapidly through shops and warehouses in the Gidan Gilas section.
Firefighters eventually controlled the flames. This event marked the second fire at the market in two weeks. The previous incident also destroyed dozens of shops.
Traders expressed deep sorrow. Isa Abubakar, a trader, said, “It is heartbreaking to see goods worth billions of naira destroyed by fire.” Musa Ibrahim, another trader, described the incident as devastating. Several people went missing initially, but emergency teams worked to locate them.
Tinubu Commiserates and Orders Probe
Tinubu spoke by telephone with Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, to get a situation report. He expressed condolences to the affected people.
Tinubu stated, “I express my condolences to the traders and the people of Kano State over the devastating fire outbreak.” He added, “The fire, which started on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday morning, caused extensive damage to Nigeria’s largest food market.”
Additionally, Tinubu voiced alarm over the recurrence. He said, “I am particularly alarmed that the latest incident occurred less than two weeks after a previous fire destroyed dozens of shops and property at the same market.”
Moreover he directed a comprehensive investigation into the causes of these recurrent fires. Tinubu noted, “I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the recurrent market fires, which continue to leave traders in despair.”
Delegation to Provide Support
Shettima led the delegation, which departed Abuja on Monday. Members included Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President; Kawu Ismaila, a Senator; and Abubakar Kabir Bichi, the Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee.
The group also featured Bernard M. Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency.
The delegation conveyed Tinubu’s condolences and pledged financial assistance. They aimed to help victims recover and support the state in reopening the market quickly. Kano authorities collaborated with federal agencies to restore services and prevent future incidents.
Kano Market Fire: President Tinubu Sympathises with Traders; Orders Comprehensive Investigation. pic.twitter.com/VCn5fxanHi— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) February 15, 2026
