The Federal Government has approved N8 billion in emergency relief for traders affected by a major fire that destroyed large sections of the Singer Market in Kano.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the intervention on Monday when he led a federal delegation to the market on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The package includes N5 billion from the Federal Government and N3 billion donated by state governors under the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
The fire raged through large sections of the popular commercial hub, affecting hundreds of traders. Senator Shettima sympathised with the victims and prayed for the prevention of future fire disasters at the market.
“The government at the centre will work collaboratively with the state to ensure that support is extended to all those affected and that recovery efforts are swift and effective,” the Vice President said.
The visit coincided with a political event at Sani Abacha Stadium, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State formally joined the All Progressives Congress, leaving the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Governor Yusuf cited the need for closer alignment with the federal government to ensure development in the state. “Kano is too large and too important to be disconnected from the government at the centre,” he said.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas attended the ceremony, with both leaders expressing support for increased federal assistance to Kano State.
The N8 billion intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to traders who lost goods and property in the Singer Market inferno.
