By A delegation of Kano business leaders and top government officials has appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the release of the ₦5 billion intervention fund approved for victims of the Singer Market fire, urging authorities to ensure the support reaches affected traders without further delay.
The delegation made the appeal during a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in Abuja, where they sought the implementation of the Federal Government’s earlier commitment to assist traders whose businesses and means of livelihood were destroyed by the devastating fire.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, said the visit was aimed at following up on the Federal Government’s pledge and stressing the urgency of releasing the relief package.
According to the statement, the delegation maintained that timely disbursement of the fund would ease the hardship faced by affected traders and support efforts to restore commercial activities at one of Kano’s major markets.
During the meeting, members of the delegation expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the intervention package while urging the Federal Government to complete the administrative processes required for the funds to be released to beneficiaries.
Those who participated in the meeting included the President of the Association of Kano Business Community, Alhaji Sabiu Bako; the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Ismail Aliyu Danmaraya; APC National Ex-Officio, Muhammad Jamu Yusuf; Chairman of Singer Market, Barrister Junaidu Muhammad Zakari; and businessman, Alhaji Kabiru Adamu Gano.
Responding, Akume assured the delegation that their concerns had been received and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the market fire.
The request for the release of the funds follows an earlier announcement by Vice President Kashim Shettima that the Federal Government had approved a ₦5 billion relief package for victims of the Singer Market fire.
Shettima made the announcement during the official reception marking the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The event also witnessed the defection of 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and 44 local government chairmen to the ruling party.
At the ceremony, the Vice President said President Tinubu approved the intervention to cushion the economic impact of the fire on traders and businesses affected by the incident.
He also disclosed that the Progressive Governors’ Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, pledged an additional ₦3 billion to complement the Federal Government’s intervention, bringing the total support package to ₦8 billion.
The Singer Market fire, which disrupted commercial activities and destroyed numerous businesses, has remained a major concern for traders and stakeholders, with many affected victims awaiting the disbursement of the promised relief to rebuild their livelihoods.
