Kano leaders lobby SGF over N5bn Singer Market relief

A high-powered delegation of Kano business leaders and senior government officials has formally requested the immediate release of a N5 billion relief fund promised by the Federal Government for victims of the Singer Market fire disaster.

The delegation met with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to remind him of the commitment made earlier this year to assist the thousands of traders whose livelihoods were devastated by the inferno. The prompt disbursement of this fund is seen as crucial for providing much-needed relief and revitalizing commercial activities at the market.

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Your Excellency, we join you today not only to sympathise with you over the fire outbreak at Singer Market that has disrupted the commercial life of this great state, but also to bring the promise of the Federal Government that we stand firmly with the good people of Kano.

During the meeting, the delegation expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the intervention. They appealed for the swift completion of the necessary processes to ensure beneficiaries can access the support without further delay. The group included prominent figures such as the President of the Association of Kano Business Community, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, and the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Ismail Danmaraya.

SGF Akume acknowledged the delegation's concerns and reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to supporting the victims. Vice President Kashim Shettima had previously announced the N5 billion approval during an event on January 26, 2026, where Governor Abba Yusuf officially joined the All Progressives Congress. At that event, the Progressive Governors’ Forum also pledged an additional N3 billion to aid the victims.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N5bn to the Kano State Government as palliative support for this incident.