Key Highlights
- Five lives were lost in Kano during February due to fire incidents.
- Property worth N12 billion was destroyed in 15 fire-related incidents in Kano in February.
- The Federal Fire Service saved 24 lives and property valued at N56.8 billion in February.
- 14 false alarms were recorded by the service in Kano during February.
- The Singer Market fire in February led to a N5 billion FG intervention fund for affected traders.
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has reported that five lives were lost and property valued at N12 billion was destroyed across 15 fire-related incidents in Kano during February. This underscores the significant human and economic impact of recurring fire outbreaks in the state.
Kano State Controller of the FFS, Kazeem Sholadoye, disclosed this information through a statement issued by Public Relations Officer Al-Hassan Kantin. The service also noted its success in saving 24 lives and property worth N56.8 billion during emergency response operations within the same month. Additionally, 14 false alarms were recorded in February.
The FFS emphasized the critical importance of preventive measures, urging residents to exercise caution with fire and to ensure electrical appliances are switched off before leaving their homes. The controller reiterated the need for heightened public awareness, stating that many fire incidents are preventable if basic safety practices are observed.
The disclosure of these February losses follows the devastating fire at the Singer Market, which began on February 14, 2026. This incident destroyed large sections of the market, disrupting economic activities. In response, the Federal Government approved N5 billion on February 17 as an intervention fund for traders affected by the Singer Market fire.
Prior to the market fire, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf had approved over N3 billion to expand and rehabilitate key access routes around Singer Market. The recent fire incidents in Kano are part of a broader trend of fire outbreaks across the country. On March 9, a fire occurred at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation building in Abuja. In late February, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reported a fire outbreak at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Last December, a massive fire engulfed the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, a building known to be used as a warehouse for clothing materials. These recurring fire outbreaks continue to cause significant damage, leading to loss of lives and property. In 2024, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, reported that the state recorded property losses estimated at N25.37 billion due to fire incidents within that year.
