The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in Kano State has set a bold course to restore Kano’s historical role as an economic powerhouse. His policies, particularly the push toward re-industrialization, aim to establish a business-friendly environment that fosters investment and economic growth. This forward-thinking approach deserves recognition and appreciation from current and future investors who can benefit from the Governor’s commitment to making Kano a secure haven for business.
Governor Yusuf’s recent recognition by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies as Nigeria’s “most labor-friendly leader” underscores his dedication to creating employment opportunities. By attracting investments that drive job creation, he seeks to engage many skilled men and women in productive ventures that boost Kano’s economy.
To fully realize this vision, the Kano State government must provide strong political leadership that revitalizes the state’s closed and dormant industries. A strategic partnership with the private sector, especially with organizations such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), is crucial to unlocking Kano’s industrial potential. With such cooperation, industrial hubs in Bompai, Sharada, Challawa, and Tokarawa, currently home to numerous inactive factories, could be rejuvenated and put back into productive use.
While Governor Yusuf’s emphasis on education is commendable, complementing this focus with employment opportunities for graduates is essential. The manufacturing sector, in particular, offers a direct path to sustainable job creation. Globally, industrialization has been a cornerstone of economic advancement; the cases of Lagos and Ogun states in Nigeria exemplify how a supportive environment can transform regions into thriving industrial centers.
Kano has a rich heritage in agro-allied industries and non-metallic minerals, with sectors like textiles, oil mills, tanneries, leatherworks, and ceramics once flourishing and contributing significantly to the state’s economy. When faced with similar challenges, governments worldwide have implemented bailout programs to protect their industrial sectors, as the United States did to save its industries from collapse.
The recent proposal to adjust the national revenue-sharing formula, focusing more on derivation, presents an urgent challenge to Northern states. Governor Yusuf’s administration has shown a strong commitment to core public services like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and food security. However, supporting the manufacturing sector—a key driver of economic growth—remains vital. This sector, dominated by private enterprises, needs support to generate wealth and create jobs for Kano’s people.
Governor Yusuf’s administration is dedicated to revitalizing Kano’s economy and providing a brighter future for its residents. By creating a safety net for the state’s unemployed youth and laying the groundwork for industry revival, his administration shows a clear commitment to transformative development.
It would be a notable achievement if, during his first term, Governor Yusuf could commission two to five revitalized industries—such as a ceramics factory in Challawa, a textile mill and oil mill in Bompai, and a battery production facility in Sharada. The impact on Kano’s economy and the job market would be significant, bringing renewed life to one of Nigeria’s historically industrialized regions.
It is very significant to draw the attention of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the deplorable state of the roads in the industrial areas, that need to be addressed in the 2025 appropriation bill. The industries in those layouts makes significant contribution to the state’s internally generated revenues through payment of tenanment rate, corporate tax and PAYE to the government corpers. They create job opportunities, generate wealth and reduce redundancy amongst the populace in areas of purchase of their raw material and marketing of their products which help people to make money.
To this end early completion of Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams hydro electric power generation plants will go along way in boosting the growth of the industrial sector on a sustainable basis
Consistent power supply through the national grid by federal government’s owned TCN and PHCN’s monopoly poses a serious threat to the industrial and house hold economic and social activities of the state. The most recent power outage in Northern Nigeria for almost ten days is instructive for the state to accelerate the planned power generation and transmission for the good of the state’s economy and social well-being.
Indeed Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is undoubtedly committed to Kano economic revival for the good of the people.
Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim
HALIM Consulting Ltd
mahmudshuaibu44@gmail.com
