Shettima Reaffirms FG's Commitment to Prevent Future Fire Outbreaks in Kano Markets

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government's determination to collaborate with the Kano State government and relevant agencies to avert future fire outbreaks in markets across the state.

Shettima disclosed that all necessary documentation has been completed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate the release of the N5 billion pledge made by President Bola Tinubu to assist traders and other victims of the inferno that destroyed several sections of the renowned Kano Singer Market, causing substantial economic losses running into billions of naira in goods and business capital.

The vice president gave this assurance on Wednesday while receiving the Association of Kano Business Community, led by its President, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, who paid him a thank-you visit at his office in the State House, Abuja.

He assured the delegation that President Tinubu holds the people of Kano in high regard, explaining that the N5 billion approved by the president as immediate relief for victims of the inferno was based on the preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the fire outbreak.

"Be rest assured that President Bola Tinubu has you at heart. When the incident happened, he immediately directed me to proceed to Kano and sympathise with victims of the inferno," Shettima stated.

"In fact, he gave the blanket cheque to make a recommendation on the support we should give to the government and people of Kano. The N5 billion approved by the president was based on the outcome of your preliminary assessment of the damages; otherwise, if the level of damage was up to N20 billion, I am absolutely certain that the president would have approved that amount. The donations of this nature are handled by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs."

The vice president called for transparency in the management of the funds, stating, "The disbursement and utilisation of the funds must be transparently done for posterity."

He also informed the delegation that the president had directed relevant Federal Government agencies, in collaboration with the Kano State government, to take proactive measures to prevent any reoccurrence of such fire outbreaks in the state.

"Government intends to engage your association to also introduce fire safety measures to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidence to safeguard the lives and properties of our people. The reoccurrence of fire of such magnitude can only be mitigated by taking proactive measures," he said.

Acknowledging the challenges Kano faces as one of the country's industrial hubs, Shettima stated that Nigeria's economy has been recalibrated and is now on a sound footing.

He said the country is on a path to sustained growth, and with the economy back on track, the government is poised to address the state's industrial challenges.

He cited the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, designed to deliver natural gas to northern Nigeria, including a major 1,350 MW Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Kano, which is already at 80 per cent completion stage. The project aims to revitalise industries and boost power supply in the state.

"We know the challenges of Kano. Most of the industries in Kano are now in a state of comatose. The few that are existing are on life support because they are generating their own power. But the AKK will soon see the light of day. It is the most expensive infrastructure project in this country," Shettima noted.

"With the AKK, I believe Kano will bounce back to life again because power is sine qua non for any industrial take-off. Kano used to have as many as a thousand industries, and they will be revived."

Earlier, President of the association, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, appealed to the federal government to consider establishing a special interest-free loan facility for the affected traders with a structured repayment period of up to 10 years.

In addition, he urged continued federal assistance in rebuilding critical infrastructure within the market to ensure improved safety standards and prevent future occurrences.

Bako said such gestures will not merely restore businesses alone but will also restore dignity, rebuild confidence, and revive the economic fortunes of the victims, as well as the economy of the entire state.

"Kano's business community is resilient. Our traders are industrious men and women who ask not for handouts, but for a bridge back to productivity. With structured support and sustained collaboration Singer Market will rise again, stronger, safer, and more vibrant than ever," he said.

"On behalf of the Kano Business Community, I express our profound gratitude and reaffirm our commitment to partnering with the federal government in rebuilding and strengthening our economy."

Bako expressed gratitude for the donations by the federal government and Progressive Governors Forum, stating that their "swift action helped contain further damage and offered immediate relief".

Expressing the association's gratitude to President Tinubu, Bako said, "We are profoundly grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive intervention and compassion. The president's action in dispatching a high-powered delegation led by you to commiserate with the government and people of Kano State brought comfort to our grieving community. The donation of N5 billion to the affected traders has provided immediate succour and renewed hope among our people. This gesture of solidarity reflects the unity of purpose that defines our nation in times of crisis."