Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday inspected the fire-ravaged Singer Market in Kano State, where a weekend inferno destroyed goods and property estimated at over ₦5 billion.
The blaze, which broke out on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, in the Gidan Glass section along Ado Bayero Road, raged into the early hours of Sunday. More than 1,000 shops were affected, with seven traders reportedly feared missing.
Shettima’s visit followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who mandated him to lead a Federal Government delegation to assess the damage and convey the administration’s sympathy to victims.
In videos shared on X by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President was seen walking through the charred remains of the market, accompanied by a high-powered delegation. Large crowds of traders and residents gathered to receive him, cheering as he interacted with victims and surveyed the destruction.
A State House statement issued Sunday indicated that the Federal Government would provide financial assistance to affected traders and support Kano State in facilitating the quick reopening of the market.
“The delegation will also pledge, on behalf of the government, financial assistance to aid the victims and support Kano State in facilitating the quick reopening of the market,” the statement read.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Fire Service, eventually contained the blaze. Officials have linked the fire to a possible solar battery explosion.
President Tinubu had earlier spoken with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and ordered a full investigation into the recurring fires at the market — the second major incident in less than two weeks.
The Vice President’s on-the-ground assessment is expected to shape immediate relief efforts and long-term support measures for traders whose livelihoods were wiped out in the disaster.