The recent fire incident at Singer Market has triggered fresh concerns over safety standards in Nigeria’s fast-growing renewable energy sector, with the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria cautioning against premature conclusions and announcing a detailed industry-led investigation.
The association said it was aware of reports linking the inferno to a possible explosion involving a solar battery system, but stressed that the cause of the incident had yet to be officially confirmed by relevant authorities.
In a statement signed on Sunday by its Communications Director, Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, REAN expressed sympathy to victims and reiterated that safety remained a core priority in the deployment of renewable energy systems across the country.
The statement read, “The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria is aware of reports concerning a recent fire incident that occurred at Singer Market, Kano, which has been speculated to have been linked to an explosion from a solar battery system.
“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 PUNCH reports that a devastating fire broke out at the historic Singer Market in Kano State, one of northern Nigeria’s busiest commercial hubs, leaving massive economic destruction in its wake. The inferno, which erupted on the evening of February 14, reportedly started in the Gidan Gilas section of the market before rapidly spreading through tightly packed shops and business premises.
Official reports indicate that more than 1,000 shops were razed by the blaze, with properties and goods estimated to be worth over ₦5bn destroyed. Preliminary casualty figures also suggested that at least seven traders were still missing days after the disaster, as emergency responders and security agencies combed through the charred remains searching for survivors.
The fire prompted swift responses from government officials. Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced a ₦5bn federal relief package for victims, with an additional ₦3bn donated by governors from the ruling party, bringing total support to ₦8bn aimed at cushioning the economic shock and accelerating recovery.
The disaster sparked wider anxiety across northern Nigeria after another blaze struck a market in Kano’s Dakata area days later, destroying about 50 more shops and raising fresh safety concerns.
The Singer Market fire has not only highlighted longstanding deficiencies in fire safety infrastructure and emergency response capacity in Nigeria’s major commercial centres but also underscored the economic vulnerability of market-based traders who constitute a vital part of the informal economy.
However, the renewable energy association noted that the development comes at a critical period when solar adoption is expanding rapidly in Nigeria, driven by unreliable grid power, rising diesel costs, and the government’s push toward energy transition and decarbonisation.
REAN emphasised that solar power systems, including battery storage components, are globally recognised as safe and reliable when properly designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with established safety standards.
The statement noted that the outcome of the probe could shape public perception of solar technologies, particularly battery storage systems, which are increasingly deployed in homes, markets, and commercial clusters.
“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 continues to advocate for strict adherence to technical standards, certified installation practices, and the use of quality-compliant components across the renewable energy value chain.
“Over the years, REAN has championed industry standardisation through: development and promotion of installation guidelines aligned with international best practices; capacity building and structured training programmes for installers and technicians; advocacy for enforcement of technical and safety standards; collaboration with regulatory authorities to strengthen compliance and consumer protection mechanisms,” the association said.
The body warned that growing demand for solar energy in Nigeria has also attracted unqualified installers and substandard equipment, a trend it described as a major risk to consumer safety and industry credibility.
REAN outlined its longstanding efforts to improve quality and compliance in the industry, including the development and promotion of installation guidelines aligned with international best practices, structured training for installers, and collaboration with regulators to strengthen consumer protection.
The association also disclosed that it had activated its internal incident response and review mechanism following the Kano fire.
“In response to this incident, REAN has activated its internal review and incident response mechanism to: obtain verified facts from relevant stakeholders; interrogate and analyse information gathered to ensure accuracy; engage technical experts and authorities to investigate the root cause(s); review compliance with existing standards and installation protocols; issue a detailed statement of facts upon conclusion of the investigation; and recommend clear preventive measures to mitigate the risk of recurrence.
“Our priority is to obtain verified facts from all relevant stakeholders, including installers, equipment suppliers, regulatory authorities, and affected users. We will interrogate and analyse the information gathered, engage technical experts to determine the root cause, and review compliance with existing standards and installation protocols.”
It added, “Upon conclusion of the investigation, we will issue a detailed statement of facts and recommend clear preventive measures to mitigate the risk of recurrence.”
Nigeria has set ambitious targets to expand clean energy access, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support off-grid solutions, especially in underserved communities. Solar mini-grids and rooftop systems have become central to these efforts, with increasing investments from development partners and private investors.
However, experts warn that safety lapses could undermine public confidence in renewable technologies if not addressed proactively. REAN reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement of safety standards in Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem.
“REAN remains committed to proactive industry leadership, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement of safety standards within Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. We will provide further updates as verified information becomes available,” the association concluded.
