A delegation of the Association of Kano Business Community, led by the President, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, visited Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, to express appreciation over the federal government response to the fire outbreak in the state.

The Vice President restated the resolve of the Federal Government to work with the Kano State Government and relevant government agencies to prevent the recurrence of fire outbreak in markets across the state.

He disclosed that all necessary documentation has been made by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to release the N5 billion pledge made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support traders and other victims of the inferno that razed several sections of the popular Kano Singer Market.

Vice President Shettima assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the people of Kano at heart, saying the N5 billion approved by the President as immediate relief for victims of the inferno was based on result of the preliminary assessment of the damages caused by the fire outbreak.

The Vice President, however, called for transparency in the management of the funds, saying "the disbursement and utilisation of the funds must be transparently done for posterity."

He also informed the delegation that the President has directed that proactive measures should be taken by the relevant Federal Government agencies, in collaboration with the Kano State government, to prevent any reoccurrence of such fire outbreaks in the state.

Acknowledging the challenges facing Kano as one of the nation's industrial hubs, VP Shettima noted that, while Nigeria's economy has been recalibrated and is on a sound footing, the nation is on a path to sustained growth.

He said with the economy back on track, government is poised to address the state's industrial challenges, citing the the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, designed to deliver natural gas to Northern Nigeria, including a major 1,350 MW Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Kano, which is already at 80% completion stage, and aims to revitalize industries and boost power supply in the state.

The President of the Association, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, appealed to the Federal Government to consider the establishment of a special loan facility that is interest-free for the affected traders with a structured repayment period of up to ten years.

In addition, he urged continued federal assistance in rebuilding critical infrastructure within the market to ensure improved safety standards and prevent future occurrences.

He said such gestures will not merely restore businesses alone but will also restore dignity, rebuild confidence, and revive the economic fortunes of the victims as well as the economy of the entire state.