President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦515 million relief package for traders and business owners affected by the fire outbreak at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State.

The fire, which occurred in the early hours of August 22, 2026, destroyed several sections of the shopping complex, affecting businesses and goods belonging to numerous traders.

The incident caused significant losses, with several shops, including outlets dealing in pharmaceuticals, clothing, perfumes and mobile phones, reportedly affected by the inferno.

Following the disaster, the affected traders appealed for government intervention to help them recover from the losses suffered and rebuild their businesses.

The federal government has now approved the ₦515 million intervention as part of efforts to provide relief to those whose businesses were affected by the incident.

The development is expected to provide much-needed financial support to the victims and help them restart their businesses after losing goods and other investments in the fire.

The cause of the fire has not been conclusively established, although an electrical fault was earlier identified as a possible cause. Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the incident.

No death was reported in connection with the fire, while firefighters and security agencies worked to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction and looting.

The intervention is expected to complement efforts by the Cross River State Government to support affected traders and facilitate the recovery of businesses impacted by the disaster.