The Federal Government has approved ₦5 billion in relief funds for victims of the devastating fire that gutted parts of Singer Market in Kano State, offering immediate support to hundreds of affected traders.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the donation on Monday during a sympathy visit to the market, which was ravaged by fire over the weekend.
Speaking during the visit, Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the intervention to help traders rebuild their businesses and restore commercial activities in the historic market.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of ₦5 billion to support traders affected by the Singer Market fire. The Federal Government stands with you in this moment of hardship and will continue to provide the necessary support,” the Vice President said.
The inferno, which broke out on Saturday, destroyed goods and properties worth billions of naira, leaving many traders in distress.
Describing the incident as a national tragedy, Shettima noted that the loss extended beyond Kano State, affecting the broader Nigerian economy.
He offered prayers for the victims and sought divine protection against future occurrences.
The Vice President was accompanied by governors from Jigawa, Kebbi, and Imo states during the visit.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaid Zakari, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for what he termed a timely and generous gesture.
He assured that the funds would be judiciously utilised to support affected traders and facilitate the swift revival of business operations.
The intervention is expected to provide much-needed relief as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage and prevent a recurrence of similar disasters.