The Kano State Government has set up a 23-member high-powered committee to supervise the distribution of N8 billion in financial aid and relief materials to victims of the Singer Market fire incident.
The fire, which broke out in different parts of the market on two occasions, caused massive economic losses, with traders losing goods and capital valued at billions of naira.
While inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Kano, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq—represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN—said the panel was tasked with ensuring a fair and transparent disbursement of the funds.
He noted that members were carefully drawn from key sectors to guarantee credibility and accountability.
Chaired by the SSG, the committee includes commissioners, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and delegates of the affected traders.
Its mandate covers assessing the extent of damage, evaluating material and financial losses, and designing an effective framework for distributing the support strictly to verified beneficiaries.
The SSG added that the committee would also review challenges within the market and propose measures to prevent future fire outbreaks.
It is further required to ensure prompt disbursement of assistance and maintain consistent engagement with stakeholders and the media to build public confidence.
Chairman of the Kano Traders Association, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, praised the governor for his swift response and structured intervention plan.
He also thanked the Federal Government for sending a delegation to commiserate with the victims and assured that the committee would discharge its duties with integrity and fairness.
Although the total number of affected traders and the full value of losses are yet to be confirmed, he emphasized that only duly verified victims would benefit from the relief package.
President Bola Tinubu approved N5 billion in palliative support for the traders, while the Progressives Governors Forum contributed N3 billion to aid recovery efforts.
Prior to this, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin had provided N200 million in cash assistance to help cushion the impact of the disaster.