The Kano State Government has constituted a 23-member high-level committee to supervise the disbursement of N8 billion in financial support and relief materials to victims of the Singer Market fire disaster.
The inferno, which razed sections of the popular market on two separate occasions, led to massive economic losses, with traders reportedly losing goods and business capital worth billions of naira.
Inaugurating the committee in Kano, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq, said the body was mandated to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of the intervention funds. Faruq was represented at the event by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN.
He said members of the committee were drawn from relevant sectors to guarantee credibility and accountability in carrying out the assignment. The committee, chaired by the SSG, is expected to uphold fairness and transparency in allocating the funds to genuine beneficiaries.
Membership includes commissioners, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders and representatives of the affected traders.
According to Faruq, the committee will assess the extent of damage, evaluate material and financial losses suffered by traders and design an effective framework for disbursement. It is also tasked with identifying challenges within the market and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
He added that the terms of reference include ensuring timely distribution of assistance and sustained engagement with stakeholders and the media to build public trust.
Chairman of the Kano Traders Association, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, commended the state governor for the swift response and structured approach adopted for the intervention. He also appreciated the Federal Government for sending a delegation to sympathise with the victims.
Although the exact number of affected traders and the total value of losses are yet to be determined, Bako assured that only verified victims would benefit from the relief package.
The intervention received support from President Bola Tinubu, who approved N5 billion as palliative support for the traders, while the Progressives Governors Forum contributed N3 billion to aid recovery efforts.
Earlier, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf and Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, had provided N200 million in cash support to help cushion the impact of the disaster on victims.