President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sympathy and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the recurrent fire outbreaks at Kano State's popular Singer Market, which recently experienced its second devastating incident within two weeks. The latest inferno, which ignited on Saturday evening and raged into the early hours of Sunday, caused extensive damage to numerous goods and stalls, inflicting significant financial losses on small-scale business owners. This tragic event follows closely on the heels of another fire that, barely two weeks prior, destroyed valuable property and over N5 billion worth of goods, impacting more than 1,000 businesses and leaving seven people reported missing at the same market.

Upon learning of the disaster, President Tinubu immediately contacted Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to receive an urgent situation report and convey his condolences to the affected traders and their families. Describing the development as both tragic and worrisome, the President underscored his alarm over the recurring nature of these destructive market fires, which consistently leave traders in despair.

In response to the gravity of the situation, President Tinubu has directed relevant federal authorities to undertake a thorough and comprehensive investigation. The primary objectives of this inquiry are to determine the root causes of the latest inferno and recommend practical, effective preventive measures to avert future occurrences. The President emphasized the critical need for stricter safety compliance, the enhancement of fire-prevention infrastructure, and robust enforcement of regulations in public markets nationwide to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

To further demonstrate the Federal Government's concern and support, President Tinubu has dispatched a high-level delegation to Kano State, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima. The delegation, which is scheduled to depart Abuja on Monday, includes prominent figures such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Kawu Ismaila; and Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee. Also part of the team are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The purpose of this federal delegation is to personally convey President Tinubu's condolences to the traders who suffered immense losses, estimated at billions of Naira, in the weekend fire. Furthermore, the team is tasked with pledging financial assistance to aid the victims and offering support to the Kano State Government in facilitating the swift and safe reopening of the market. President Tinubu reiterated that government agencies would explore all avenues of support to cushion the impact of these losses, stressing that protecting livelihoods and safeguarding commercial centres are paramount to economic stability and community well-being.

Singer Market stands as a pivotal commercial hub in Kano, Nigeria, widely recognized as one of the largest markets in northern Nigeria for provisions, foodstuffs, and household wares, supplying goods across multiple northern states. The recent devastating fire outbreaks have not only caused substantial economic hardship but also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and disaster preparedness in such vital economic arteries.