Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has pledged a comprehensive redevelopment of the popular Farm Centre GSM Market, with a N2 billion investment to rebuild and expand the facility following a recent fire outbreak that destroyed parts of the market.
The governor made the announcement during a visit to the market on Friday, where he met with affected traders and market leaders. He said the intervention was not just about repairing the damage caused by the fire but also about reimagining the market to meet the growing needs of traders and customers.
“Our administration will invest over N2 billion to reconstruct the damaged sections, expand the market, and modernize its infrastructure,” Governor Yusuf said, according to a statement released Saturday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
As part of the plan, the state government will acquire additional land to expand the market, build a fire station equipped with modern firefighting tools, and install solar-powered streetlights to improve security and visibility. Other features include the construction of a pedestrian bridge, rehabilitation of access roads, and development of drainage systems to curb flooding.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the governor emphasized his ambition to position the market as a regional commercial hub with international reach.
“We are working to make the Farm Centre GSM Market an international trading destination with access to neighbouring countries, thereby boosting cross-border commerce and regional integration,” Yusuf said.
He also revealed plans to establish a new management structure for the market “to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainability of operations.”
Addressing issues of safety, Governor Yusuf called on market users to support security agencies in tackling phone snatching and petty crimes within the area. He also highlighted the role of vocational training in youth empowerment.
“Our 26 vocational training institutes across the state will continue to serve as platforms for skills development, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
Traders welcomed the government’s response, describing the governor’s visit and commitment as a much-needed relief after the recent losses.
Comrade Jamilu Gama, Chairman of the Market, said: “We are deeply encouraged by the governor’s timely intervention. His visit and support after the fire outbreak show that this government truly cares.”
The Farm Centre GSM Market, situated in Kano’s commercial core, operates across 20 plazas and employs more than 39,000 youth, making it one of the largest informal tech markets in Northern Nigeria.