The Singer Market Fire Relief and Fund Disbursement Committee has begun on-the-spot assessment of the recent fire incidents that destroyed sections of Singer Market, to determine the extent of damage and support required by affected traders.

The committee has also engaged security agencies, including the Nigerian Police and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to ensure transparency and equitable distribution of relief to genuine victims.

Goods and valuables worth several billions of naira were lost when fire razed parts of the market on two occasions recently.

In response to the losses, President Bola Tinubu approved N5 billion as palliative support for the victims. The Progressives Governors’ Forum also contributed N3 billion to cushion the impact of the disaster.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee, told journalists that affected traders had been invited to present details of their damaged assets.

He said the committee was committed to ensuring fair disbursement of relief materials and funds after proper verification of claims. While noting that the committee was under strict instructions to maintain transparency and accountability, he warned that false claims would not be tolerated.