Billions of naira have been declared lost following a fire that burnt down a warehouse belonging to the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA), yesterday, in Abuja.

According to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the warehouse contains training tools and other items worth billions of naira meant for the N-Power Programmes.

In a statement, the Minister of State in the ministry, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who visited the scene of the incident said a panel has been set up to look into the cause of the fire and to submit its findings within two weeks.

He lamented that the fire resulted in the destruction of tools worth billions of naira, emphasising the need for protective measures for the remaining items in other warehouses and assured that training for beneficiaries will commence promptly despite the setback.

“The minister commended the Federal Fire Service, FCT, and Julius Berger, which helped contain the fire and prevent further damage to adjacent warehouses,” the statement noted.

He equally expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Police for providing security to safeguard the warehouse after the incident, assuring that the ministry would continue to prioritise safety and efficiency and be more fire-conscious in its operations following the incident.