Singer Market fire: Committee pledges transparency in fund distribution

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The Fund Distribution Committee set up to oversee support for victims of the recent Singer Market inferno has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area to evaluate the extent of destruction and monitor ongoing inspections of burnt structures and debris.
The committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk, toured the market to assess the clearing of gravels and other fire-damaged building materials as part of preparations for relief disbursement.
Addressing traders and stakeholders during the visit, Alhaji Umar Faruk assured victims that justice and fairness would be strictly observed in the distribution of funds meant to cushion their losses.
He emphasized that the committee was committed to ensuring that only genuine victims benefit from the intervention, stressing that transparency would guide every stage of the process.
The SSG appealed to affected traders to provide honest and accurate declarations of their losses to enable the committee carry out its assignment effectively.
According to him, truthful documentation of damages will help prevent disputes and ensure equitable allocation of the available resources among victims.
Chairman of Singer Market, Alhaji Mohammad Zakari Junaid, disclosed that anti-corruption agencies and security operatives were incorporated into the committee to strengthen accountability.
He reassured the business community that the funds would be judiciously utilized and that measures were in place to prevent any form of malpractice during the disbursement process.
Also speaking, the representative of the Commissioner of Police, ACP Jauro, said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to provide adequate security across the market to safeguard lives and property.
He noted that maintaining security in Singer Market was critical to sustaining Kano’s position as a commercial hub in sub-Saharan Africa.
In his remarks, Sarkin Fadan Kano, Alhaji Ado Kurawa, conveyed the sympathy of the Kano Emirate to the affected traders and urged them to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure the successful execution of its mandate.