Furniture makers at Gandun Albasa, near the Kano Trade Fair Complex, are assessing significant losses following a fire outbreak on Monday night that destroyed four shops. This area is a vital hub for furniture production, supporting the livelihoods of many artisans and traders.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire was ignited by an electrical spark after electricity was restored around 10:00 PM. Two shops, which contained foam materials, were completely destroyed, while the other two, housing finished furniture items, sustained extensive damage.
Shop owner Mu’azu Inuwa Indabawa estimated losses in the millions of naira and credited the prompt response of the Kano State Fire Service for preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures. He noted that his shop, along with Hausawa Best Furniture, Shamsu Sabiu Isa Furniture, and Shuaibu Anamu Best Furniture, was severely affected, with no salvageable materials left.
Fortunately, a nearby storey building containing additional furniture items, along with several adjacent shops, escaped the fire. The Kano State Fire Service reported that they saved six lives from various fire incidents in January 2025, managing to protect properties worth N1.2 billion during that period.
Kabiru Isa Jaafar, representing the service’s spokesperson, stated that they received 56 fire emergency calls in the same timeframe, which included 10 rescue missions and seven false alarms.
