“We are suffering, no fuel, no power, no money,” hundreds of Kano residents chanted on Saturday as they welcomed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on a state visit.

The residents in Sabon Gari town were seen carrying placards with different inscriptions lamenting the current economic situation in one of Nigeria’s largest city.

Mr. Osinbajo, who visited the Sabon Gari market recently gutted by fire, also inspected some roads under construction while the residents continued their chants.

He told the protesters that the government was aware of their sufferings and had rolled out several policies to cushion the effects.

He also pledged that the federal government will assist the victims of the market fire which razed over 3,800 shops.

“We will make sure that we provide and support you with what we have to ensure that people do not suffer.

“I am here to bring greetings from President Muhammadu Buhari and to tell you that he is with you and standing with you even at this trying moment,” he said.

He said the Federal Government will support the state government to rebuild the market to a modern one.

The Vice president commended the state government for steps it had taken so far to ensure that the victims were relocated and continued their businesses.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said the state government had identified 7,000 shops and paid N70 million as one year rent for the petty traders to enable them resume business activities.

“The state government is also renovating access roads and will provide fire fighting equipment and other facilities in the market,” he said.