SINGER MARKET FIRE: REAN LAUNCHES INDUSTRY PROBE, WARNS AGAINST RUSH TO BLAME SOLAR SYSTEM
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The recent fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano has ignited fresh concerns over safety standards in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, with the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) cautioning against premature conclusions and announcing a comprehensive industry-led investigation.
In a statement signed on Sunday by its Communications Director, Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, REAN said it was aware of reports speculating that the inferno may have been linked to an explosion involving a solar battery system. However, the association stressed that the cause of the fire has yet to be officially confirmed by relevant authorities.
“We are deeply concerned about the incident and extend our sincere thoughts to the individuals, businesses, and families affected. Safety remains paramount in the deployment and operation of renewable energy systems across Nigeria,” the statement read.
The fire, which broke out on the evening of February 14 at the historic Singer Market — one of northern Nigeria’s busiest commercial hubs — reportedly started in the Gidan Gilas section before spreading rapidly through tightly packed shops.
Official reports indicate that more than 1,000 shops were destroyed, with goods and property estimated to be worth over ₦5 billion lost. Preliminary figures also suggested that at least seven traders were missing days after the blaze, as emergency responders continued search efforts.
In response to the disaster, Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced a ₦5 billion federal relief package, while governors from the ruling party donated an additional ₦3 billion, bringing total support to ₦8 billion to aid recovery efforts.
The incident occurred amid another fire outbreak in Kano’s Dakata area days later, which destroyed about 50 shops, heightening anxiety about safety infrastructure in major commercial centres.
REAN noted that the development comes at a critical period when solar adoption is accelerating nationwide, driven by unreliable grid power, rising diesel costs and Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals.
The association emphasised that solar power systems — including battery storage components — are globally recognised as safe when properly designed, installed and maintained in line with established standards. It warned, however, that the rapid growth of the sector has attracted unqualified installers and substandard equipment, posing risks to consumers and industry credibility.
“Solar power systems, including battery storage components, when properly designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with established electrical and safety standards, are safe and reliable,” REAN stated.
The body outlined its efforts to promote industry standardisation, including the development of installation guidelines aligned with international best practices, structured training programmes for technicians, and collaboration with regulators to strengthen compliance and consumer protection.
Following the Kano fire, REAN disclosed that it has activated its internal incident response mechanism to gather verified facts, engage technical experts, review compliance with safety protocols and issue a detailed report with preventive recommendations.
“Our priority is to obtain verified facts from all relevant stakeholders… engage technical experts to determine the root cause, and review compliance with existing standards and installation protocols,” the association said.
Nigeria has set ambitious targets to expand clean energy access and support off-grid solutions, particularly in underserved communities. However, experts caution that unresolved safety concerns could erode public confidence in renewable technologies if not addressed transparently and proactively.
REAN reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement of safety standards, pledging to provide further updates once verified findings are available.
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