KANO LEADERS LOBBY SGF OVER N5BN SINGER MARKET RELIEF

A high-powered delegation of Kano business leaders and senior government officials has met with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to press for the immediate release of the N5bn relief fund promised by the Federal Government for victims of the Singer Market fire disaster.

The development was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.

According to the statement, the delegation visited the SGF’s office to remind him of the Federal Government’s commitment, made earlier this year, to support thousands of traders whose businesses and livelihoods were destroyed by the inferno.

The statement stressed that the prompt release of the intervention fund would provide much-needed relief to the affected traders and accelerate the recovery of commercial activities at the market.

Speaking during the meeting, the delegation expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the intervention and appealed for the completion of the process to enable beneficiaries to access the support without further delay.

The delegation comprised the President of the Association of Kano Business Community, Alhaji Sabiu Bako; the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Ismail Danmaraya; APC National Ex-Officio, Muhammad Yusuf; the Chairman of Singer Market, Junaidu Zakari; and businessman, Alhaji Kabiru Gano.

Akume assured the delegation that their concerns had been noted and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting victims of the Singer Market fire.

The reception was organised to formally receive Yusuf into the APC following his defection to the party, alongside 22 members of the state House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen, on January 26, 2026.

According to the Vice President, the Progressive Governors’ Forum also pledged N3bn in support of the victims.

“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.

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

“The Progressive Governors’ Forum, under the able and confident leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has also pledged N3bn in support of the victims of the Singer Market fire incident,” he said.