Kano govt sets up committee to disburse N8bn to victims
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to collaborate with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
 
The Kano State Government, on its part, inaugurated a 23-member high-level committee to oversee the disbursement of N8 billion in financial assistance and relief materials to traders affected by the devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market.
 
Shettima disclosed that the necessary documentation had been completed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for the release of the N5 billion pledged by President Bola Tinubu to support traders and victims of the inferno that razed sections of the market, leading to massive economic losses running into billions of naira.
 
He gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Association of Kano Business Community, led by its President, Sabiu Bako, who paid him a thank-you visit at the Presidential Villa.
 
The Vice President said the N5 billion approved by the President as immediate relief was based on the preliminary assessment of the damages caused by the fire outbreak.
 
“The N5 billion approved was based on the outcome of your preliminary assessment. If the damage had amounted to N20 billion, I am certain the President would have approved that amount.”

Donations of this nature are handled by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,” he stated.
 
He, however, stressed the need for transparency in the management and utilisation of the funds.

Earlier, Bako had appealed to the Federal Government to establish a special interest-free loan facility for affected traders, with a structured repayment plan of up to 10 years.
 
He also urged continued federal support in rebuilding critical market infrastructure to improve safety standards and prevent future incidents.

SPEAKING during the inauguration ceremony yesterday, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kano, Umar Faruq, said the committee was established to ensure a transparent, accountable and equitable distribution of the intervention funds.
 
The SSG was represented at the event by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude (SAN).
 
According to Faruq, members of the committee were carefully selected from key institutions and stakeholder groups to guarantee credibility and public confidence in the exercise.
 
The committee, chaired by the SSG, is expected to promote fairness in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring that support reaches only genuine victims of the disaster. Its membership includes commissioners, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders and representatives of the affected traders.
 
The broad composition, the SSG noted, is designed to strengthen oversight and reduce the risk of abuse in the disbursement process.
 
Meanwhile, a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof Mainasara Kurfi, condemned unethical price hikes by traders in Kano, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Singer market fire incident.
 
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Kurfi urged traders to “fear Allah” as he reminded them of their moral responsibility, especially during this month of holy Ramadan, when the welfare of citizens should be prioritised.