In the wake of a catastrophic fire that devastated Singa Market in Kano, the Southern Governors’ Forum has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Government of Kano State and the victims of the disaster. The fire, which is reported to have caused irreparable damage, is one of the most significant tragedies to strike the market in recent memory. The Southern Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, issued a statement on Sunday, February 15, 2026, expressing deep sorrow over the incident and offering support to those affected by the blaze.
The fire, which engulfed a substantial portion of Singa Market, is believed to have caused damages amounting to over ₦5 billion. Thousands of small businesses were impacted, and seven individuals are reportedly still missing following the tragic event. This massive loss has left many residents of Kano grappling with uncertainty, as the destruction not only wiped out business assets but also disrupted the livelihoods of countless families who relied on the market for their daily income.
The Response from Southern Governors:
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, extended the group’s sympathies to Kano’s leadership and the affected traders. Speaking from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Abiodun described the incident as a devastating blow, not only for Kano State but also for the larger trading community across Nigeria. The fire, which ravaged both commercial and residential areas, resulted in the destruction of several properties, including four buildings that housed small-scale businesses.
Governor Abiodun urged the affected traders and business owners not to lose hope despite the enormous challenges they now face. He reassured them that the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was fully committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help them rebuild their businesses and lives. He expressed confidence that Kano’s state government would take swift action to ensure that the victims received the help they needed to recover from the loss.
Extent of the Damage:
The scale of the fire’s destruction has been described as unprecedented, with more than 1,000 businesses directly affected by the blaze. Property worth billions of naira has been lost, including valuable goods, equipment, and merchandise. The fire also left many small-scale traders unable to recover vital business assets that were destroyed in the inferno.
In addition to the economic toll, the fire also affected the residential areas surrounding the market. Four buildings, which were home to numerous small businesses and their owners, were completely consumed by the flames. These buildings housed both commercial enterprises and the homes of many traders, leaving several families displaced and in dire need of support.
The emotional and psychological impact on the affected traders and their families has been profound, as the fire not only destroyed their material assets but also disrupted their means of survival. Governor Abiodun’s statement sought to offer a glimmer of hope in the midst of such devastation, calling on the traders to remain resilient as they navigate the challenging road ahead.
Call for Preventative Measures:
In light of the tragic event, Governor Abiodun urged local market authorities and relevant government officials to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents from recurring. The fire has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the infrastructure and safety measures in place at Singa Market, and Abiodun emphasized the need for enhanced safety protocols, particularly in high-risk areas like large commercial markets.
He called for a comprehensive review of the safety regulations and fire prevention measures within markets across Nigeria, highlighting the importance of creating more secure environments for traders and consumers alike. Abiodun urged local authorities to implement safety standards and fire prevention infrastructure, ensuring that future incidents like the one in Kano are minimized.
The Ogun State Governor’s statement reflected a broader concern within the Southern Governors’ Forum about the importance of safeguarding markets and commercial hubs, which serve as vital economic lifelines for millions of Nigerians. He expressed the Forum’s commitment to supporting the recovery of affected markets and to working with the relevant authorities to improve infrastructure and resilience in commercial districts across the country.
Support from the Kano State Government:
As part of his condolences, Governor Abiodun also expressed support for the ongoing efforts of the Kano State Government to manage the situation and assist those affected. He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his proactive approach to addressing the aftermath of the fire, noting that the state government had already begun assessing the damage and formulating a comprehensive recovery plan.
Governor Yusuf and his administration have pledged to provide immediate relief to those affected, including financial aid, shelter, and resources to help businesses get back on their feet. The state government has also vowed to support the families of the missing individuals and ensure that search and rescue operations are carried out without delay.
In his statement, Governor Abiodun also acknowledged the unity and resilience of the people of Kano in the face of adversity. He expressed confidence that, with collective effort and determination, the traders and residents of Singa Market would eventually recover from the tragedy.
Conclusion:
The devastating fire at Singa Market in Kano has left a deep mark on the community, with significant loss of life, property, and business activity. However, the response from both the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Kano State Government has been swift, with efforts underway to support the victims and rebuild the area. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, authorities are focused on ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future, and that markets across Nigeria are better equipped to withstand such challenges.
In the meantime, the people of Kano, alongside their government and the broader Southern Governors’ Forum, continue to stand united in the face of this tragedy, working together to restore hope and resilience to the affected community.
