By Ayo Ayodele
Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Kano following the devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market, on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a State House press release issued on Sunday, the delegation is scheduled to depart Abuja on Monday to convey the President’s condolences to traders who reportedly lost billions of naira in the weekend inferno. The fire, which began on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, caused extensive damage to what is regarded as Nigeria’s largest food market.
This marks the second fire incident at the market within two weeks, a development that has raised fresh concerns among traders and residents.
The delegation includes Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senator Kawu Ismaila; and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi.
Also on the team are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard M. Doro, and Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar.
The Federal Government is expected to pledge financial assistance to support affected traders and work with the Kano State Government to facilitate the speedy reopening of the market.
President Tinubu had earlier spoken by telephone with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressing his condolences to the traders and people of Kano State over the disaster.
The President also directed a comprehensive investigation into the recurring market fires, describing the incidents as deeply troubling and calling for urgent measures to prevent further occurrences.
The press statement was signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and dated February 15, 2026.