RismadarVoice Reporters
September 5, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has approved N450 million in relief for 18 business owners affected by the fire that gutted the Calabar Mall, popularly known as SPAR Mall.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this on Friday during a visit to Calabar, Cross River State, where she announced that each of the affected business owners would receive N25 million.
She said the intervention was approved by the President to cushion the financial impact of the disaster and assist the victims in rebuilding their businesses.
“Mr President commiserates with the government and people of Cross River over this unfortunate incident that destroyed many businesses and livelihoods.
“This intervention is to provide immediate support and help victims recover from their losses,” Mrs Tinubu said.
Beyond the N450 million earmarked for the affected businesses, the First Lady announced an additional N50 million for women’s groups through the Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.
Another N15 million was presented to women who received her during her visit to the state, bringing the total value of the intervention to N515 million.
The fire broke out at the shopping mall on August 22, destroying several businesses and property reportedly worth billions of naira.
The incident left several business owners facing significant financial losses and the challenge of restoring their livelihoods.
Senator Tinubu said the Federal Government’s intervention was intended to provide immediate assistance to those affected and support their efforts to recover from the disaster.
Receiving the First Lady, Governor Bassey Otu thanked President Tinubu and Senator Tinubu for the intervention, describing it as timely and significant.
He said the relief would provide much-needed support to the affected entrepreneurs as they work towards rebuilding their businesses and restoring their sources of livelihood.
