16/02/2026
It has come to my notice, with a deep sense of grief, the distressing news of yet another fire outbreak at the popular Singa Market in Kano, which occurred on Saturday night and subsequently destroyed billions of Naira worth of goods and properties. This agonising incident comes barely a week after a similar inferno ravaged parts of the same market, compounding the losses and anguish of our hardworking traders.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government and all the traders, business owners, and families affected by this tragic incident. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. For many, these shops and goods represent years of endless sacrifice, resilience, and honest endeavour to eke out a living. May Allah (SWT) grant you the strength to bear this loss and replenish you with better and more sustainable prosperity.
I commend the prompt visit and directive for investigation by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the efforts of the fire service and security agencies working tirelessly to contain the situation. The recurring nature of these fires within such a short period is indeed a serious concern that demands some wholistic preventive measures.
This unfortunate event once again calls for the urgent establishment of more well-equipped fire outposts strategically located within and around major markets across Kano State and Nigeria at large. Our markets are economic lifelines, and they must be safeguarded with modern firefighting equipment as well as infrastructure and, where necessary, advanced support systems such as aerial firefighting capability.
I call on relevant authorities at both state and federal levels to work collaboratively to strengthen emergency preparedness frameworks, review market structural layouts, and invest in modern fire prevention technologies.
May Allah protect our communities from such unpredictable disasters, grant quick recovery to those affected, and bless Kano State with safety, stability, and prosperity.
Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON
(Majidaɗin Daular Usmaniyya).