The Kano State Government has officially inaugurated a high-powered committee—The Technical Committee on the Fire Outbreak at GSM Market, Farm Center, Kano—to investigate and address the recent tragic fire incident that affected the bustling commercial hub.
The inauguration ceremony was performed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim, on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is currently on pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca.
Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim conveyed the deep concern of His Excellency over the incident, noting that the market is a vital economic center, with over 30,000 youths earning their livelihoods there and making significant contributions to the state’s economic development.
The SSG emphasized that the unfortunate fire incident necessitated the establishment of a competent and experienced committee composed of reputable professionals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.
He stated that the committee is charged with investigating the root causes of the incident and recommending practical, long-term solutions.
Terms of Reference of the Committee Include:
To ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the fire outbreak.
To assess the extent of damage to property and determine if there were any casualties.
To evaluate the response of emergency and security agencies during the incident.
To examine the existing fire safety measures within the affected areas of the market.
To recommend both short-term and long-term strategies to prevent future occurrences.
To engage stakeholders and gather testimonies from victims and eyewitnesses.
To compile a detailed list and profiles of individuals directly affected.
To reevaluate the current market layout and determine compliance with safety standards.
To propose the establishment of an administrative structure to manage the market as a corporate entity.
To collect and deposit all donations for affected victims into a government-approved account.
To submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations within one week of inauguration.
The SSG underscored the urgency of the assignment, calling on committee members to approach their task with diligence and a deep sense of humanity.
He also appealed to the public to show solidarity by donating to support the victims. To ensure transparency and accountability, a designated donation account has been established:
GSM Market Fire Incident Support Fund
Bank: Zenith Bank
Account Number: 1310076187
In his response, Right Honourable Ambassador Nasiru Sule Garo, Chairman of the Technical Committee, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them.
He commended the swift response of the Kano State Government, which he described as a comforting gesture to the predominantly youth-led business community of the market.
Garo assured the public of the committee’s readiness to deliver on its mandate diligently and effectively.
Committee Membership Includes:
Honourable Commissioner, Special Duties
Representative, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services
Representative, Kano State Fire Service
Representative, Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
Representative, Nigerian Police Force
Representative, Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA)
Representative, Farm Center GSM Traders Association
Representative, State Security Service (SSS)
Representative, Kano State Investment and Properties
Chairman, Tarauni Local Government Council
Special Adviser, Revenue
Nasir Mansur Muhammad, Director General – KASMEDA
Mahmud Bala, Director of Industries, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives
Usman Abubakar Haske, SSA on Investment
Muhammad Aminu Inuwa
Representative, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Representative, Ministry of Lands
Representative, Ministry of Information
Director General, Cottage and Street Hawking Agency
Committee Secretary: Abdulkadir Shehu, Director AGS – OHSC
Co-Secretary: Muhammad Yusuf, Under Secretary, Office of the SSG.