In the wake of two destructive fire outbreaks at Singer Market, Kano State has set up a high-level committee to oversee the disbursement of relief funds to impacted traders.
The fires, which struck the market twice within a week, destroyed goods and left many traders with significant losses. President Bola Tinubu approved a N5 billion intervention for affected traders, while the Progressives Governors Forum pledged N3 billion. Additional support came from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who contributed N200 million.
Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday, Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq, said the panel would ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in distributing relief to affected traders. Represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, Faruq explained that members were drawn from government agencies, stakeholder groups, and the Kano Emirate Council to guarantee credibility.
The committee is tasked with verifying affected traders, assessing the extent of losses, and developing an equitable framework for disbursement. It will also review market safety conditions and recommend measures to prevent future fires. Members include commissioners, representatives from the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), religious leaders, and delegates of the affected traders.
Chairman of the Kano Traders Association, Sabi’u Bako, commended the government’s swift response and pledged that the committee would ensure relief reaches only genuine victims.
