President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the recurring fire outbreaks at Kano’s Singer Market, following a devastating inferno that razed large sections of the food market over the weekend.
The fire, which broke out on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, caused extensive destruction at the market, widely regarded as Nigeria’s largest food trading hub.
The incident marked the second major fire at the same market in less than two weeks, compounding losses for traders already grappling with the earlier disaster.
Tinubu, who immediately contacted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a situation report, described the incident as tragic and alarming.
He expressed deep concern over the frequency of market fires in the state and directed that a thorough investigation be carried out to determine their causes and prevent future occurrences.
In a further show of solidarity, the President has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Kano to commiserate with victims of the disaster.
The delegation is scheduled to depart Abuja on Monday.
According to the Presidency, the team will convey Tinubu’s condolences to traders who lost goods worth billions of naira in the blaze and pledge federal support, including financial assistance, to help victims recover and to facilitate the swift reopening of the market.
Members of the delegation include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senator Kawu Sumaila; and Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Also on the delegation are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard M. Doro, and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar.
President Tinubu reiterated his sympathy for the affected traders and the people of Kano State, stressing that recurrent market fires have continued to leave families and livelihoods in despair.
He assured that the Federal Government would work closely with the state authorities to address the immediate humanitarian needs and implement long-term safety measures at the Singer Market.
