The Kano State Disbursement Committee on the Singer Market fire disaster has estimated that goods and property worth more than N20 billion were destroyed in the recent inferno.

Chairman of the committee and Secretary to the Kano State Government, Umar Faruk, made this known at the weekend after leading members of the panel on an inspection visit to the affected market to evaluate the scale of destruction.

He described the level of damage as enormous and called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the affected traders in easing the heavy financial burden caused by the incident.

Faruk recalled that the Federal Government had contributed N5 billion to assist victims, while the All Progressives Congress Governors Forum donated N3 billion. However, he stressed that based on the committee’s findings, the losses far exceed the funds received so far.

He appealed for additional assistance, assuring donors that all contributions would be transparently managed and delivered directly to the victims. He also pledged that a detailed account of every kobo received and disbursed would be made public to the people of Kano State.

The chairman cautioned affected traders against attempting to inflate or falsify claims during the distribution process. He warned that anyone found engaging in dishonest practices would forfeit any entitlement and could face prosecution.

He further noted that representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) are part of the committee to ensure accountability and prevent misconduct throughout the disbursement exercise.