Vice-President Kashim Shettima has restated the federal government’s resolve to work with the Kano State government and the relevant agencies to prevent the recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
Mr Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when a delegation of the Association of Kano Business Community, led by its president, Sabiu Bako, paid him a thank you visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He disclosed that all the necessary documentation had been made by the federal ministry of humanitarian affairs to release the N5 billion pledge made by President Bola Tinubu to support the traders and other victims of the inferno.
He said Mr Tinubu had directed that proactive measures should be taken by the relevant agencies, in collaboration with the Kano State government, to prevent any reoccurrence of such fire outbreaks in the state.
Mr Shettima assured the delegation that Mr Tinubu had the people of Kano at heart.
He explained that 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.
Mr Shettima said: “Be rest assured that Tinubu has you in heart. When the incident happened, he immediately directed me to proceed to Kano and sympathise with victims of the inferno.
”In fact, he gave the blanket cheque to make a recommendation on the support we should give to the government and people of Kano.
“And the N5 billion approved by the President was based on the outcome of your preliminary assessment of the damages; otherwise.
”If the level of damage was up to N20 billion, I am absolutely certain that the President would have approved that amount. The donations of this nature are handled by the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.”
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.
”Government intends to engage your association to also introduce fire safety measures to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidence to safeguard the lives and properties of our people.
”The reoccurrence of fire of such magnitude can only be mitigated by taking proactive measures.”
Mr Shettima said 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 was poised to address the state’s industrial challenges.
He cited the the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, designed to deliver natural gas to Northern Nigeria.
”This 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.
“We know the challenges of Kano. Most of the industries in Kano are now in a state of comatose.
”The few that are existing are on life support because they are generating their own power. But the AKK will soon see the light of the day. It is the most expensive infrastructure project in this country.
“With the AKK, I believe Kano will bounce back to life again because power is sine qua non for any industrial take-off.
”Kano used to have as many as a thousand industries, and they will be revived,” the VP assured the delegation.
Earlier, Mr Bako had 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.
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 would 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.
He said, ” Kano’s business community is resilient. Our traders are industrious men and women who ask not for handouts, but for a bridge back to productivity.
” With structured support and sustained collaboration Singa Market will rise again, stronger, safer, and more vibrant than ever.
“On behalf of the Kano Business Community, I express our profound gratitude and reaffirm our commitment to partnering with the Federal Government in rebuilding and strengthening our economy.”
Mr Bako expressed gratitude for the donations by the federal government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, noting that their “swift action helped contain further damage and offered immediate relief.”
He added, ”We are profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for his decisive intervention and compassion.
”The President’s action in dispatching a high-powered delegation led by you to commiserate with the government and people of Kano State brought comfort to our grieving community.
”The donation of N5 billion to the affected traders has provided immediate succour and renewed hope among our people.
”This gesture of solidarity reflects the unity of purpose that defines our nation in times of crisis.”
(NAN)