Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmonious labour relations, pledging continued engagement with labour leaders through dialogue and diplomacy to enhance socio-economic development and productivity.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman, made the pledge during a two-day seminar titled “Effective Collective Bargaining and Negotiation Between Labour Leaders and Employers at the Local Government Level.” The workshop was held at Royal Blue Hotels in Kaduna.

Represented by the Director of Recruitment, Training and Retirement in the ministry, Alhaji Ali S. Faragai, the commissioner said the training formed part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen labour relations and promote industrial peace across Kano.

He emphasised that effective collective bargaining and negotiation are critical tools for resolving labour disputes and fostering mutual understanding between employers and employees at the grassroots level.

According to him, the seminar was organised by the ministry in collaboration with Beatific Synergy and Ventures Limited as part of the present administration’s commitment to continuous capacity building for workers in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Matters, Alhaji Garba Umar Durbunde, commended the government’s resolve to build harmonious working relationships and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained for the overall progress of the state.

In his welcome address, the Kano State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ibrahim Muhammed, described the training as timely and essential in equipping union leaders with the skills required to navigate the complexities of labour relations and ensure peaceful dispute resolution.

Similarly, the National President of NULGE, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, lauded the Kano State Governor for what he described as visionary leadership and dedication to labour welfare. He noted that the initiative would significantly enhance the capacity of NULGE leaders to effectively represent their members and promote industrial harmony.

“The governor’s initiative is a game-changer, and we appreciate his commitment to improving the capacity of local government personnel through regular training and retraining,” he said.

In a presentation, veteran labour leader and District Head of Rimin Gado, Dr. Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, stressed that honesty, humanity and humility remain essential virtues for achieving lasting success in labour matters.

The training brought together NULGE leaders and local government officials from all 44 local government areas of the state. It covered key topics including collective bargaining strategies, negotiation skills and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Observers say the initiative is expected to improve labour relations, enhance productivity and contribute meaningfully to Kano State’s socio-economic development.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s 60/40 leadership-sharing formula between new defectors and existing members in Kano State.

KANO FOCUS reports that Prof Yilwatda made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, where he expressed satisfaction with what he described as an impressive turnout of party supporters and leaders.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the APC National Chairman, the 60/40 arrangement was designed to promote inclusiveness, unity, and effective participation of all stakeholders in party affairs and governance activities.

He said he was deeply impressed by the large number of party faithful who attended the meeting, noting that the turnout reflected a high level of enthusiasm, unity, and commitment among APC members in Kano State.

Yilwatda added that the strong gathering was a positive signal that would further strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu and boost his prospects in the forthcoming general elections.

He also commended Alhaji Yusuf Gawuna and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, for setting aside personal ambitions and aligning with the Governor’s vision for the party in Kano.

The APC Chairman further praised former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his leadership and contributions to the party’s growth and cohesion in the state.

In his response, Governor Yusuf thanked the APC leadership for the visit and for their continued support toward unity and peace in Kano State.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with party members to ensure that the state remains united and prosperous, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Governor Yusuf noted that the strong turnout and show of solidarity demonstrated that APC members in Kano are ready to work together for the progress of the party and the overall development of the state.

Bosede Olufemi

A retired Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf-Nadabo, has called for the relocation of Singer Market in Kano to the Dangwaro International Market following repeated fire incidents at the facility.

KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf-Nadabo, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Jigawa State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday.

He said the relocation had become necessary to address persistent fire outbreaks that have plagued the market over the past 15 years.

According to him, he was at the scene of the latest fire incident on February 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., where he observed serious challenges in accessing the area during rescue operations.

“It took about 12 hours to put out the fire. The current location of the market is not conducive for heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, posing serious safety risks,” he said.

He noted that the market’s environment makes it difficult for articulated vehicles and fire service trucks to move freely, especially during emergencies.

Yusuf-Nadabo added that nearly 100 trucks enter the market daily to offload goods, contributing to congestion. He said major adjoining roads, including Bello Road and Ibrahim Taiwo Road, are often blocked, compounding traffic problems and hindering emergency response.

“Based on my experience in traffic management and public safety, relocating the market to Dangwaro International Market will significantly reduce congestion and help put an end to recurring fire outbreaks,” he stated.

The retired FRSC officer urged the Kano State Government to act urgently in the interest of public safety and sustainable urban development.

Meanwhile, KANO FOCUS reports that the recent fire destroyed goods and property worth over ₦5 billion, affecting more than 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.

The Chairman of the market, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed the extent of the damage to NAN in Kano on Sunday.

Singer Market has witnessed several fire outbreaks in recent years. A massive blaze occurred at the market on February 2, 2026, affecting numerous shops before firefighters and emergency agencies brought it under control, with no reported loss of lives.

In November 2025, a dawn fire razed 44 shops, while in March 2023, over 100 shops were destroyed. Similarly, in November 2022, a warehouse and goods worth over ₦100 million were consumed by fire.