Market fire: Tinubu sympathises with Kano traders

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy with traders and residents of Kano State following the destructive fire outbreak at the popular Singer Market over the weekend, assuring victims of the Federal Government’s concern and support while calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

The fire, which reportedly started on Saturday evening and burned into the early hours of Sunday, caused extensive damage to goods and stalls within the busy food market, leaving many small-scale business owners grappling with significant financial losses.

Witnesses said the blaze spread quickly before emergency responders eventually brought it under control.

In response to the incident, President Tinubu contacted Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to receive an immediate situation report and convey his condolences to affected traders and their families.

The President described the development as tragic and worrisome, particularly as it occurred barely two weeks after a similar fire incident at the same market destroyed numerous shops and valuable property.

Concerned about the recurring nature of market fires, the President directed relevant authorities to undertake a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes of the latest inferno and recommend practical preventive measures.

He emphasised the need for stricter safety compliance, improved fire-prevention infrastructure, and stronger enforcement of regulations in public markets across the country.

Tinubu also assured affected traders that government agencies would explore avenues of support to cushion the impact of their losses, stressing that protecting livelihoods and safeguarding commercial centres remain critical to economic stability and community well-being.

Singer Market is a major commercial hub in Kano, Nigeria, renowned as one of the largest markets in northern Nigeria for provisions, foodstuffs, and household wares.

It supplies goods across multiple northern states but has recently faced devastating fire outbreaks.

A massive fire incident destroyed properties estimated at over N5 billion and impacting more than 1,000 businesses.

Seven people were reported missing, with warehouses and shops heavily affected. This marks a repeat incident, compounding losses for traders.