By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with traders affected by a devastating fire that swept through a major commercial hub in Kano, directing federal agencies to launch an immediate investigation into the cause of the blaze.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the day, razed dozens of shops and destroyed goods worth millions of naira, dealing a severe blow to small-scale traders who depend on daily sales for survival. Emergency responders battled the flames for hours as business owners watched helplessly, many losing their entire livelihoods.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu expressed deep sympathy with the victims and ordered relevant authorities, including disaster management and fire safety agencies, to assess the damage and provide urgent relief to those affected. He also instructed officials to determine whether negligence, faulty infrastructure or other factors contributed to the incident.
The president urged state and local governments to strengthen fire-prevention measures in markets across Nigeria, warning that recurring market fires highlight long-standing weaknesses in urban planning, emergency preparedness and public safety enforcement.
Traders count losses as calls grow for reform
For many traders in Kano, one of northern Nigeria’s largest commercial centres, the fire represents more than a local tragedy — it underscores a national crisis.
Market infernos have become increasingly common across the country, often linked to overcrowded stalls, illegal electrical connections and the absence of functional firefighting equipment. Victims frequently complain of slow emergency response times and limited access to compensation or insurance.
“I lost everything,” said one trader, standing beside the charred remains of his shop. “We need more than sympathy. We need protection, modern facilities and real support.”
Civil society groups and business associations are now renewing calls for comprehensive market reforms, including upgraded infrastructure, mandatory safety standards and affordable insurance schemes for small traders.
Analysts say the Kano fire reflects broader economic pressures facing Nigeria, where rising inflation, unemployment and insecurity have already strained households and informal businesses. Without urgent investment in public safety and urban renewal, they warn, such disasters will continue to deepen poverty and undermine confidence in governance.
As investigations begin, affected traders wait anxiously for relief — and for assurances that their losses will not be forgotten once the ashes cool.
