By Muhsin Alhassan
Before assuming the mantle of leadership as Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf had developed a clear vision for industrialization, recognizing the business and economic viability of Kano in the Northern region.
For centuries, Kano has remained a major economic center in Africa — a vital hub for Trans-Saharan trade, facilitating the exchange of goods such as kola nuts, cloth, and leather for salt, weapons, and manufactured products.
Governor Abba Yusuf’s broad understanding of commerce, trade, investment opportunities, and the importance of creating an enabling environment for corporate entities to thrive has left no one in doubt about his unwavering commitment to rebuild and rebrand the economic potential of the ancient city to compete with industrial and megacities across Africa.
Upon assuming office as Chief Executive of the state, Governor Yusuf began working toward actualizing the vision he had conceptualized in his blueprint and campaign promises, which are anchored on industrialization and commerce.
In the blueprint, the award-winning Governor — known for his achievements in education and empowerment — planned to create an enabling environment for Kano to rank highest in the ease of doing business, support micro, small, and medium enterprises for wealth creation, and revive moribund industries and businesses in the state.
To execute this ambitious mandate, Governor Yusuf searched for the right man for the job and found one in his trusted confidant and former Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, whose wealth of experience in both public and private sector business ecosystems speaks volumes about his capacity and competence.
With a clear mandate to transform the system, ‘Goni’ Sagagi immediately swung into action, injecting a breath of fresh air into the trade, commerce, industry, and bilateral investment environment — leaving no stone unturned to make Kano an attractive destination for limitless business opportunities.
As a strong torchbearer of Governor Yusuf’s vision at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Commerce, Sagagi has made a significant impact, recording successes that have given the business environment a facelift.
For the first time in history, the Ministry approved the establishment of a private export processing zone in two senatorial zones, aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in Kano. The new zones will complement the existing Federal Government trade zone in driving trade and investment.
Another giant stride achieved under Governor Abba Yusuf through the Ministry was the approval for the resuscitation of the 44 garment centres that had been abandoned by the previous administration for eight years. With the reopening of these garment clusters, over 10,000 youths have gained access to training and job opportunities.
Similarly, the Ministry of Investment, under Sagagi, constituted a technical committee for the establishment and promotion of a commodity exchange market to boost trade and commerce, and to facilitate access to agricultural produce for international markets.
Sagagi has also launched an additional common facility center for shoe and bag making, aimed at accommodating more women entrepreneurs — making them self-reliant and contributing to the reduction of poverty and gender-based violence in Kano.
Another success story recorded under Sagagi since assuming office as Commissioner is the introduction of the Ramadan Trade Fair — the first of its kind — which brought together the business community and traders from major markets to sell their products at highly discounted prices.
This initiative came at a critical time, providing much-needed relief and support to middle- and low-income earners, particularly at a time when food prices were skyrocketing.
During the period under review, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi also engaged market leaders, settled disputes, and embarked on solidarity visits to various business areas.
Through the government’s Economic Policy Initiative, the Ministry introduced policies to promote the hiring of local workers and to curb exploitation. The government also approved the establishment of an IT unit within the Ministry.
Meanwhile, Goni Sagagi has concluded plans to upgrade infrastructure in local markets such as Tarauni, Sheka, and Gyadi-Gyadi. The Ministry is also working to elevate weekly markets in Danbatta, Wudil, and Kura to bi-weekly schedules to increase trade volumes.
Moreover, Sagagi has repositioned the Ministry’s mission and strategies to effectively monitor and expand the scope of business opportunities, with a firm commitment to attracting investors.
With the opportunity given by Governor Abba Yusuf to serve the good people of Kano, the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Commerce now operates with renewed vigor, committed to going the extra mile to build a conducive atmosphere for the Kano economy to flourish.