The Federal Government has approved a ₦5 billion relief package for traders affected by the recent fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano, in a move aimed at helping victims recover their losses and rebuild their businesses.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the intervention on Monday during a sympathy visit to the market, describing the incident as a major economic setback not only for Kano State but for the country at large.
He said the support was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide immediate assistance to affected traders and restore commercial activities.
“This support is to ensure that our brothers and sisters who lost their means of livelihood can stand again,” Shettima said.
“The Federal Government stands firmly with the victims and will continue to take steps to prevent such disasters in the future.”
The Vice President noted that the fire, which destroyed goods worth billions of naira, had left hundreds of traders in distress.
He added that the government recognised the market’s importance to regional trade and livelihoods, stressing that the relief fund was meant to speed up recovery efforts.
Chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaid Zakari, welcomed the intervention, calling it timely and reassuring.
“We are deeply grateful to the Federal Government for remembering us at this difficult time,” Zakari said.
“We assure Nigerians that the funds will be used transparently to support affected traders and help restore business operations.”
Shettima was accompanied on the visit by several state governors and government officials, who also offered prayers for the victims and called for improved safety measures to prevent future incidents.
