The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to supervise the disbursement of N8 billion approved as financial assistance and relief materials for victims of the Singer Market fire.

The fire, which razed parts of Singer Market in Kano on two separate occasions, caused massive destruction, with traders losing goods and capital worth billions of naira.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq, said the panel was set up to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in the distribution of the intervention funds.

He explained that members were carefully selected from relevant sectors to guarantee credibility and proper execution of the assignment.

According to him, the committee, which he chairs, will assess the extent of the damage, verify affected traders, evaluate losses and design a clear framework for the disbursement process.

Faruq added that the panel would also review safety challenges within the market and recommend measures to prevent future fire outbreaks.

He noted that part of the committee’s mandate is to ensure prompt distribution of assistance and maintain continuous engagement with stakeholders and the media to strengthen public confidence.

Chairman of the Kano Traders Association, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, commended Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf for what he described as a timely and structured response to the disaster.
He also appreciated the Federal Government for sending a delegation to sympathise with the victims, assuring that the committee would carry out its duties with fairness and sincerity.

Bako said although the exact number of affected traders and the total value of losses were still being verified, only genuine victims would benefit from the intervention.

Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu approved N5 billion in support for the affected traders, while the Progressives Governors’ Forum contributed N3 billion to aid recovery efforts.

Earlier, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin had donated N200 million in cash support to cushion the impact of the fire on the victims.

(NAN)