The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep sympathy to traders and business owners affected by the devastating fire outbreak at Singa Market in Kano State, describing the incident as both tragic and deeply unsettling.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the disaster was especially painful as it occurred only weeks after a similar fire incident at the same market. He noted that the recurrence has worsened the financial losses and emotional strain already faced by vulnerable traders.
Governor Yahaya raised concerns over the increasing cases of market fires across Northern Nigeria, stressing that such repeated incidents continue to destroy livelihoods, disrupt local economies, and deepen hardship for families who depend on small-scale trading.
He emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated preventive strategies, calling on both state and federal authorities to adopt modern, technology-driven safety measures.
According to him, solutions should include the installation of advanced fire detection and suppression systems, better market design and infrastructure, strict enforcement of safety standards, and sustained public awareness campaigns targeted at traders and market operators.
The Forum also acknowledged the prompt and courageous efforts of the Kano State Fire Service, security agencies, and the National Emergency Management Agency, alongside other emergency responders and volunteers whose swift intervention helped limit the scale of destruction.
Extending condolences to the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yahaya conveyed the Forum’s solidarity with all those who suffered losses. He offered prayers for strength and recovery for the victims, encouraging them to remain hopeful despite the painful setback.