Kano representatives hold talks with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, request disbursement of ₦5bn marketplace assistance package

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A high-powered delegation of Kano business leaders and senior government officials has met with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to press for the immediate release of the ₦5 billion relief fund promised by the Federal Government for victims of the Singer Market fire disaster.

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This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday.

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

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The statement noted 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.

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

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The delegation comprised 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.

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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.

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Recall that Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the official reception held to welcome Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into the All Progressives Congress, announced that the Federal Government had approved the release of ₦5 billion to support victims of the Singer Market fire disaster.

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

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Shettima also announced that the Progressive Governors’ Forum had pledged an additional ₦3 billion to support victims of the fire.

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“Your Excellency, we join you today not only to sympathise with you over the fire outbreak at Singer Market, which disrupted the commercial life of this great state, but also to bring the assurance of the Federal Government that we stand firmly with the good people of Kano.

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“President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of ₦5 billion to the Kano State Government as palliative for this incident. In addition, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has pledged ₦3 billion to support the victims of the Singer Market fire,” the Vice President had said.

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