Kano State has integrated Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agencies into a committee overseeing the distribution of N8 billion in federal government relief funds for victims of the destructive Singer Market fire, a move aimed at guaranteeing transparency and fairness in the aid allocation.
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk, conducted an on-site assessment of the market ruins. Faruk stated that justice and transparency are the committee’s core principles, noting the mandatory involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force to oversee the process. He urged affected traders to honestly declare their losses and remaining inventory to ensure equitable treatment for all victims.
The chairman of the Kano Singer Market, Barrister Mohammad Zakari Junaid, reaffirmed that the inclusion of these agencies was specifically to ensure the funds are judiciously utilised. The representative of the Commissioner of Police, ACP Jauro, pledged unwavering security for the market area, emphasizing its importance as a commercial hub in sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, the Sarkin Fadan Kano, Alhaji Ado Kurawa, offered the Emirate Council’s condolences and called for full trader cooperation with the committee.
The distribution committee’s work begins with a comprehensive verification of losses. By embedding federal anti-graft bodies and security forces, the state government seeks to prevent misappropriation and build public confidence in the relief effort. The successful and credible disbursement of this support is seen as critical for restoring commercial activity in the historic market and reinforcing governance standards in post-disaster response.
