Federal Government Donates N5bn to Victims of Kano Singer Market Fire

Kano, Nigeria — The Federal Government has approved a ₦5 billion intervention fund to support traders and business owners affected by the recent fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano, one of the state’s busiest commercial hubs.

The donation, announced following assessments of the damage caused by the inferno, is aimed at helping victims rebuild their businesses and cushion the economic losses suffered in the incident, which destroyed hundreds of shops and goods worth millions of naira.

Support for Business Recovery

Government officials stated that the financial assistance forms part of broader efforts to provide relief and stabilize livelihoods disrupted by the disaster. The fund is expected to facilitate the replacement of lost goods, rehabilitation of affected structures, and restoration of commercial activities within the market.

According to authorities, many small-scale traders who relied entirely on daily sales were among the worst hit, raising concerns about income loss and economic hardship.

Extent of the Damage

Eyewitness accounts and local authorities reported that the fire spread rapidly through sections of the market, fueled by tightly packed stalls and flammable materials. Although emergency responders were able to contain the blaze, significant destruction had already occurred before it was fully extinguished.

While no official casualty figures have been released, traders described the losses as devastating, with some business owners losing entire inventories.

Government and Community Response

The intervention has been welcomed by market associations and affected traders, who described the gesture as timely and critical for economic recovery. Community leaders emphasized the importance of swift disbursement and transparent allocation of the funds to ensure genuine victims benefit from the support.

Officials also reiterated the need for improved fire safety measures across major markets, including better electrical infrastructure, access routes for emergency services, and stronger preventive regulations.

Calls for Preventive Measures

The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in public markets nationwide. Analysts warn that recurring market fires continue to threaten small businesses and local economies, underscoring the need for proactive risk management and emergency preparedness.

The Singer Market fire is one of several market-related disasters recorded in recent years, prompting authorities to review existing safety frameworks.