Amid growing concerns over recurrent fire outbreaks in major markets across Kano in North West Nigeria, the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to develop lasting strategies aimed at preventing future fire disasters and safeguarding Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
The engagement brought together officials of the Federal and State Fire Services, market leaders, representatives of the National and State Emergency Management Agencies, security agencies, and members of the organised private sector.
The President of KACCIMA, Ambassador Usman Darma, said the spate of fires in Kano’s markets has had far-reaching economic consequences beyond the state, stressing that Kano remains a major trading hub in Northern Nigeria and a critical link in the country’s supply chain.
“As a chamber, it is our responsibility to protect and promote businesses. These fire outbreaks have affected the entire business community and the economy in general. We cannot fold our arms without making efforts to prevent a recurrence,” Darma said.
He explained that deliberations with professionals led to the constitution of a technical committee to identify the root causes of the fires and propose actionable recommendations.
Among key gaps identified were the absence of functional fire extinguishers in most major markets, poor access roads for emergency responders, lack of centralized safety systems for solar power installations, and inadequate water supply for firefighting.
Darma noted that stakeholders recommended the establishment of fire marshals in all markets, installation of fire alarms and smoke detectors in shops, and the creation of centralised solar power control systems to reduce electrical hazards.
“We also discovered that access to water hydrants is a major challenge. In some cases, firefighters travel up to 10 or 15 kilometres before accessing water. That delay can be the difference between containment and total destruction,” he said.
He explained that, the chamber plans to expand the committee to include security agencies such as the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), after which a comprehensive report will be forwarded to the Kano State Government for urgent implementation.
Timely Intervention
The Chairman of Singer Market, Barrister Junaidu Zakari, described the meeting as timely and crucial, especially following more than five recent fire incidents in Kano.
“This is a very important stakeholders’ meeting. We have discussed practical measures and constituted a technical committee that will soon submit its report for necessary action,” Zakari stated.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s announced ₦8 billion intervention for affected traders, Zakari said, the losses recorded far exceed the support package.
“Looking at the magnitude of destruction, the intervention cannot fully cover the losses. However, it will provide some relief. We also call on major companies operating in the market ecosystem, such as BUA Group and Dangote Group, to support affected traders,” he added.
Zakari further urged the Kano State Government to urgently constitute a dedicated committee to oversee immediate relief and long-term restructuring of affected markets.
Market Restructuring
On his part, the Kano state Controller Federal Fire Service in Kano, Engr. Kazeem Sholadaye described the incidents as devastating and a threat to economic stability.
“When you consider that markets are the heartbeat of Kano’s economy, allowing them to be repeatedly engulfed in fire is like not guaranteeing the future of the people,” he said.
He stressed that safety must be treated as a collective responsibility, calling for market restructuring to decongest trading areas and create access roads for emergency vehicles.
Among his recommendations were the construction of water reservoirs within markets, procurement of fire extinguishers, fireballs, smoke sensors and motorised firefighting tools, as well as improved urban planning to reduce overcrowding.
With Kano widely regarded as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria, stakeholders agree that preventing future market fires is not just a local priority but a national economic imperative.