In the wake of the devastating Eid‑el‑Kabir fire at Dan Sulaika Plaza within Farm Centre GSM Market, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced a ₦2 billion allocation for reconstruction and modernization.
The blaze, triggered by a suspected battery explosion on Friday, 6 June 2025, consumed over 300 shops and destroyed millions of naira worth of mobile phones, accessories, computer gadgets and electronics. Miraculously, no casualties were recorded.
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, who described the disaster as “deeply saddening” and pledged the government’s full support, Governor Yusuf met with distraught traders and market leaders. In a statement released on Saturday, the deputy governor assured that relief efforts would proceed through official channels to guarantee fairness and transparency.
During his visit, Governor Yusuf outlined a comprehensive redevelopment plan. The proposal includes reconstructing the damaged market sections and acquiring additional land to accommodate future expansion. To enhance safety, a fully equipped fire station will be constructed on-site. Security will be boosted with solar‑powered streetlights and a pedestrian bridge to ensure secure access for shoppers and traders. The initiative also entails rehabilitation of internal and surrounding roads, installation of drainage systems to mitigate seasonal flooding, and the establishment of a new market management authority to oversee long-term operations.
Highlighting the market’s significance, the governor noted that more than 39,000 youths depend on Farm Centre for their livelihood. He expressed his ambition to elevate the market to international standards with cross-border linkages, positioning Kano as a regional trading powerhouse. He also urged traders to collaborate with security agencies to tackle phone-snatching and other petty crimes that have plagued the area.
A high-level committee has already been formed, chaired by Commissioner Nasiru Garo, and includes representatives from emergency services, security agencies, urban planning, and market associations. The panel has been charged with identifying the fire’s cause, assessing the full extent of damage, reviewing existing fire-safety protocols and producing their report within one week.
Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, the government and opposition figures including former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have expressed sympathy with victims, emphasised the urgent need for improved safety standards in public markets and urged swift intervention.
The government’s first major fundraising effort pooled ₦2 billion for victims of this and other market fires, with significant contributions from the state government and Aliko Dangote; private donors and institutions such as Access Bank, Jaiz Bank and various local councils also joined in.
Comrade Jamilu Bala Gama, Chairman of the Farm Centre GSM Traders’ Association, praised the governor’s visit and pledged investment as “a huge relief, not just timely but historic” for thousands who lost their businesses. Governor Yusuf added that vocational training institutes across the state would further support youth empowerment, offering renewed skills and job opportunities in the rebuilding process.
The multi-dimensional plan aims to restore the market and strengthen its resilience by incorporating robust safety measures, enhanced infrastructure and improved governance to secure its role as a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria.
