Vice President Kashim Shettima will head a high-level Federal Government delegation to Kano on Monday to show solidarity with traders affected by the latest fire at the popular Singer Market. The visit comes as authorities step up efforts to address the growing pattern of devastating market fires in the state.
The latest blaze, which started on Saturday evening and lasted into Sunday morning, is the second major fire at Singer Market within a fortnight, destroying large sections of the market and causing billions of naira in losses. The recurrence has heightened concern among traders and prompted urgent calls for structural and safety reforms at one of Nigeria’s largest food commodity hubs.
The delegation will convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences to the victims and announce immediate federal interventions to cushion the economic impact, while supporting Kano State Government efforts to fast-track the market’s reopening. Members of the team include Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senator Kawu Ismaila, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Bernard M. Doro, and NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar.
Singer Market, a major centre for grains and other staple foods, had only recently begun recovering from a prior fire. The repeated incidents have left many traders financially devastated and highlighted concerns over fire safety infrastructure, emergency access, and compliance with storage regulations.
President Tinubu, who spoke with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the repeated fires as deeply troubling and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into possible causes, including electrical faults, handling of flammable goods, firefighting facilities, and adherence to safety standards.
Analysts warn that the destruction could affect food supply chains, commodity prices, and the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the market. Federal support is expected to complement state relief measures, including temporary trading arrangements and reconstruction plans.
The vice president’s visit underscores the strategic importance of Singer Market and the need for coordinated federal and state action. Stakeholders are calling for nationwide market safety overhauls, including modern firefighting systems, better layout planning, stricter regulation enforcement, and expanded insurance coverage for traders to prevent further recurring losses.
