A devastating fire ravaged Singer Market in Kano, destroying goods and properties worth billions of naira. The blaze affected over 1,000 businesses and left several people missing.
A massive fire broke out at Singer Market in Kano on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The inferno started in the evening and continued into Sunday morning. Flames spread rapidly through shops and sections like Gidan Gilas or Gidan Glass. Firefighters from the Kano State Fire Service responded, but the fire caused extensive damage to the popular food and commodities market.
Market chairman Junaid Zakari described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the market’s history. Officials reported that the blaze destroyed properties valued at over ₦5 billion. It affected more than 1,000 traders and left seven persons missing. Four residential buildings that housed small-scale businesses burned down completely.
This incident followed a previous fire at the same market less than two weeks earlier, on February 2, 2026. That earlier blaze destroyed dozens of shops and caused significant losses.
President Bola Tinubu commiserated with the traders and residents of Kano State. He contacted Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by telephone to receive a situation report. President Tinubu described the fire as tragic and deeply concerning due to its recurring nature.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga issued a statement on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The statement detailed President Tinubu’s condolences. It highlighted the President’s concern that such incidents repeatedly left traders in despair and undermined livelihoods.
The President Of The Federal Republic of Nigeria also directed a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the market fires. Authorities aimed to determine the reasons for the recurring incidents and recommend preventive measures.
In addition, President Tinubu instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Kano. The delegation departed Abuja on Monday to convey sympathies and support to the victims.
Other leaders reacted to the disaster. Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun condoled with Kano State over the losses.
The fire disrupted trade in one of Kano’s major markets. Traders began to count their losses as recovery efforts started. NEMA coordinated multi-agency responses to contain the blaze and assist affected individuals.
