Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has released ₦143 million to 76 traders and business operators affected by fire outbreaks at the Sokoto Old Market and Central Motor Park in July 2026.
The payment fulfilled the governor’s pledge to help victims rebuild their businesses and resume commercial activities following the two incidents.
Speaking at a brief disbursement ceremony, the chairman of the investigation committee, Gandi Muhammad, commended the affected traders for their cooperation and orderly conduct during the verification process.
Muhammad explained that the money was not formal compensation for the losses suffered. Instead, he described it as a compassionate gesture by the state government to help the victims restore their businesses.
“The highest beneficiary received N25 million, while the amounts given to other beneficiaries varied based on the verified extent of their losses,” Muhammad, a lawyer, said. He also urged the recipients to pray against future disasters.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Governor Aliyu for fulfilling his promise within days of receiving the committee’s report. They also pledged their continued support for his administration.
The fires struck the two commercial centres in July 2026, causing significant damage and disrupting economic activities across Sokoto metropolis.
At the old market, the fire affected commercial sections selling bicycles, motorcycles, clothing and cosmetics. It destroyed more than 50 shops, along with stock, spare parts and cash reserves.
The outbreak at Sokoto Central Motor Park also destroyed several makeshift structures, passenger stalls and commercial shops, disrupting transport services and small-scale trading.
Initial assessments by emergency management agencies put the combined property losses at hundreds of millions of naira.
Following the incidents, Governor Aliyu set up a nine-member committee to investigate the causes, assess the damage and verify claims from affected traders.
After completing its checks, the committee confirmed 76 of the 94 claims submitted as genuine, paving the way for the financial support.
