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2019 review: Top business, economic stories in Kano
Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo
In 2019, Kano state witnessed tremendous business and economic activities. Below are s0me of the most important economic and business reports as captured by Kano Focus.
Economic policies:
During the year under review, a collection of courts–known as Small Claims Courts, were commissioned in Kano to ensure speedy dispensation of justice on matters bordering business transactions.
A Registrar in charge of one of the courts, Hajiya Hauwa Isa Abubakar, said the concept was adopted from Lagos and was gazetted in Kano on August 8, 2018.
She added that the business courts were commissioned in January 2019 by the Chief Justice of Kano, Hon Sagir Nura Umar.
Kano economic city
The Kano state government announced plans to construct a multi-billion Kano Economic City at Dangwauro town of Kumbotso local Government area.
A project engineer, Mr. Afolabi Muhyideen assured Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a site inspection, that the project was to take off by December, 2019.
“All things being equal the phase one of the economic city will take off by December this year, 2019. And we are doing our best to make this a reality,’’ he said.
On his part Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said Kano was fast becoming a modern economic city, striving to bring back its past glory on the global economy.
However, Kano Focus reports that the Kano Economic City is still under construction as is yet to take off as promised.
Economic development Partnership
Also, in 2019, Kano state government entered into a number of economic partnership including international agreements:
President of the Republic of Guinea, Prof. Alpha Conde solicited closer and stronger economic ties between Kano and his Country.
Alpha Conde made the call in Kano during a special business session with Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje and the Kano business community at the Government House in Kano.
Governor Ganduje assured the Guinean president that Kano State Government was ready and determined to work closely with the Republic of Guinea to leverage each other’s strength to mutual benefits.
In the same year, Mr Ganduje restated the commitment of his administration to continue to partner with relevant agencies to ensure higher level of economic transformation in the State.
Governor Ganduje gave the assurance while receiving delegation from the Federal Treasury under the leadership of the Accountant General of the Federation Alhaji Ahmed Idris who paid him a Courtesy Visit in his office.
The Governor who was then represented by his Deputy Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna said the partnership linkages would allow the state to provide a befitting atmosphere for both foreign and local investors to come into the state for business transactions..
He said “Kano has championed the issue of commerce not only in northern Nigeria but in the Sub-Saharan Africa, that is why His Royal Highness Malam Muhammadu Sunusi II has been made to be the chairman of the investment committee in the State”.
Also in the year 2019, a report by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) said, Kano State Government and the Shandong Province firms had signed an agreement in the areas of leather production, textile manufacturing, agro-allied and solid mineral mining to boost the state economy.
The report said the agreement was signed by the state Deputy Governor, Nasiru Gawuna, who led a delegation to the Shandong Province,, on behalf of the State Government on mutual investment relationship.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje restated his administration’s commitment to the partnership with the Chinese delegation at a meeting in Kano.
Kano, IDB sign $95 million Agro-Pastoral Project
In 2019, Kano government and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) signed a $95 million Agro – Pastoral Development Project.
Under the agreement, The Islamic Development Bank would contribute $90 million while the Kano State government will put in $5 million to the project, which will be implemented over a five – year period.
The project, which was supposed to commence last December, aimed to support the State government to develop pastoral communities, address security and other challenges caused by transhumance, ensure natural resources management, agricultural productivity enhancement, value addition and market access improvement.
The Manager Agriculture Global Practice(Economic and Social Infrastructure), Islamic Development Bank, Mr. Nur Abdi, revealed this during high level discussions with the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano.
In his remarks, Mr Ganduje, said the project idea was conceived “to transform challenges inherent in pastoralism and agriculture in the state to opportunities for economic growth and enhancement”.
Economic targets
As part of efforts to boost food production locally, a Kano-based company, Amarava Rice Mill in 2019, said it was targeting to record 500 tonnes of daily rice production.
Subhash Chand, the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria revealed this in January last year.
The multi-million naira state-of-the-art rice mill, owned by an Indian national, was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano in December 2018.
Also in 2019, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) urged Kano State Government to intensify efforts in making the Dala Inland Dry Port operational.
Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary of NSC, made the plea when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the state government in Kano.
He said that with the population of the people of Kano, it was important that the government makes the Inland Dry Port operational for export
Responding, Nasiru Gawuna, the Deputy Governor of Kano State appreciated the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for partnering with the state government to promote the dry port.
Also during the year under review at least 27, 000 registered rice farmers in Kano state were targeted to benefit from the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the 2019 rainy season farming.
Alh. Abubakar Aliyu, the state’s Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), told reporters in Kano that the registered farmers were selected from the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
Aliyu had explained that each farmer would collect, as part of a total package, seeds, fertiliser, chemicals, and some funds for the payment of labourers.
Economic/Business Development
Also it was during the year 2019 that, over 200,000 petty traders in Kano State benefited from the Federal Government’s social intervention programme, known as the TraderMoni scheme.
This scheme was introduced as part of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) under the office of the Vice -President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
The Chief Operating Officer, GEEP, Uzoma Nwagba, said the scheme would provide an avenue for beneficiaries to engage directly with different stakeholders such as officials from the Bank of Industry, financial institutions and partner organisations from the private sector.
In the same year, the Federal Government inaugurated a mini milk collection centre in Tassa Village in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture, Sabo Nanono, said the centre would alleviate the plight of milk sellers and improve their business.
Sabo Nanono said government would establish additional centres in other states of the federation in order to further improve the economic wellbeing of the people.
Also, Kano witnessed a historic international trade fair, which attracted businessmen and women from within and outside Nigeria including Nigerian army for the first time.
The trade fair which started on 30 November ended on the tenth of December 2019.
The Kano 40th trade fair was attended by people from outside Nigeria, especially neighboring countries despite land border closure by federal government.
Hauwa Umar
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a device verification platform to strengthen regulatory compliance, protect consumers and curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised communication devices in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission said the NCC Device Checker Platform would enable consumers to verify the regulatory approval status of SIM-enabled devices before purchasing them, while helping ensure that devices connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks meet established technical standards.
The Kano Zonal Controller of the NCC, Engr. Maigana Gidado, disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing at the commission’s zonal office in Kano.
Engr. Gidado said the initiative was part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen Type Approval compliance and improve the integrity of communication devices used on Nigerian networks.
According to him, the commission has made progress in implementing the initiative through the regularisation and licensing of device dealers, as well as sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry stakeholders.
He said the commission had streamlined its licensing and regularisation processes, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences.
The NCC had also conducted stakeholder sensitisation engagements in Lagos and other parts of the country to improve awareness of Type Approval requirements and obligations under the Device Checker framework.
“These initiatives have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved compliance with regulatory requirements,” he said.
Engr. Gidado added that the commission had developed a user-friendly Device Checker application that allows authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload information directly to the platform.
He said the application was designed to simplify compliance procedures, improve efficiency and make the verification process more accessible to relevant industry participants.
The zonal controller urged consumers to verify the status of devices before purchasing them through the commission’s *Check Your Device* portal at [www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker) by entering the device’s IMEI number.
He also directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to consult the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide available at [www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide](http://www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide) to understand their responsibilities under the regulatory framework.
According to him, organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can access the relevant application requirements and procedures through the Type Approval section of the commission’s website.
Engr. Gidado, however, clarified that the Device Checker Platform was not a surveillance tool and would not access users’ personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on their devices.
He explained that the platform’s purpose was limited to device identification and verification of regulatory compliance.
The NCC urged consumers to patronise reputable and licensed dealers and take advantage of its online resources to make informed purchasing decisions.
It also encouraged industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the commission’s Type Approval requirements and ensure full compliance.
Engr. Gidado said consumers requiring assistance or wishing to lodge complaints could contact the commission through its 315 toll-free consumer line.
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection, fair competition and network integrity, adding that the commission would continue to promote a trusted communications ecosystem in Nigeria.
Suspect returned to Kano to face investigation, prosecution
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested a suspected gang leader and sponsor, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as Malam Keya, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 27-year-old suspect, from Yelwa in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, is accused of sponsoring violent gang clashes that have claimed lives and heightened insecurity in parts of the state.
The task force disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspect was arrested following intelligence-led operations after allegedly fleeing Kano as security operations against gang violence intensified.
According to the statement, operatives tracked him to Port Harcourt and arrested him in an operation led by the task force’s Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe. He has since been returned to Kano.
The task force alleged that Malam Keya played a leading role in orchestrating and financing hoodlums involved in violent attacks in Dala and other affected communities.
The areas reportedly affected by the gang violence include Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama, Kukar Bulukiya, Dala, Shatsari and Dandalin Turawa.
Confirming the arrest, the task force chairman, Barr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the operation demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue suspected sponsors of violence beyond Kano State.
“Let me assure you that those who bankroll violence should know that no distance, and no hiding place, will protect them. This arrest is only the beginning. We will not rest until peace is fully restored,” he said.
The task force said the suspect remained in custody for further investigation and would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
It added that its operations would continue in accordance with the law, with all suspects entitled to due process.
The agency also pledged to sustain efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, identify their alleged sponsors and disrupt drug supply networks linked to criminal activities.
It urged residents, community and religious leaders, parents and youths to support security efforts by reporting suspicious persons and activities, monitoring their neighbourhoods and discouraging young people from being recruited into criminal gangs.
The task force described public cooperation as essential to restoring peace and security across the state.
It also acknowledged the support of the Kano and Rivers state police commands and other law enforcement agencies in the operation.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping plot in Gezawa Local Government Area and arrested two 20-year-old suspects over threats to abduct a village head.
KANO FOCUS reports that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Naziru Garba and Bashir Alhasan, were arrested following intelligence-led operations by police operatives attached to the Gezawa Divisional Police Headquarters.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on October 26, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. by the village head of Bangare, Mallam Idris, who told the police that he had received a threatening phone call from an unidentified person on October 24 at about 9:33 p.m.
The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap him.
Following the report, police operatives launched a follow-up operation, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
“The suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon completion.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of the Gezawa Division for their swift and professional response.
Bakori reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities and said the operation aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritises intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, professionalism and proactive crime prevention.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.
The command also provided the following emergency contact numbers for reporting security concerns: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
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