By Aisha Maikudi Abdulkadir
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has pledged over N2 billion for the redevelopment and modernisation of the Farm Centre GSM Market, following the recent inferno that ravaged parts of the commercial hub.
Governor Yusuf made the vow on Friday during a visit to the market, where he was warmly welcomed by traders and market leaders.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the intervention is a strategic move to not only rebuild damaged sections but also transform the market into a modern and secure trading environment.
“This intervention is not just about rebuilding what was lost, but about preparing the market for the future,” Yusuf said.
“We are investing in a modern, safe and business-friendly environment that will uplift the lives of our people and position in Kano as a regional trading powerhouse.”
As part of the initiative, the government plans to reconstruct the affected sections of the market, expand trading space through land acquisition, and improve safety by constructing a fully equipped fire station.
The project also includes the installation of solar-powered streetlights to boost visibility and security, construction of a pedestrian bridge to enhance safe access for shoppers and traders, rehabilitation of both internal and surrounding roads, and the development of proper drainage systems to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
In a bid to ensure smooth operations and long-term sustainability, the governor revealed that a dedicated market management structure will be established.
“We are creating a system that works – one that benefits customers, traders and the economy of Kano,” he said.
“This market alone employs over 39,000 youths. We can not ignore its significance,” Yusuf added.
Brown pigeon media reports that the Farm Centre GSM Market, located in the heart of Kano metropolis, is one of the largest hubs for mobile phones, accessories, and tech-related services in Northern Nigeria. Spread across 20 plazas, the market plays a vital role in the state’s informal economy.
Yusuf also disclosed that the state government aims to elevate the market into an international trading destination with strong linkages to neighbouring countries, thereby enhancing cross-border commerce and regional integration.
The governor used the occasion to urge traders and residents to support security agencies in tackling the menace of phone snatching and other petty crimes plaguing the area.
“We need your support to restore order and create a secure environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, he noted that the state’s 26 vocational training institutes would continue to provide platforms for job creation, skills development and sustainable livelihoods.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the market, Comrade Jamilu Gama, praised the governor for the timely response, saying, “This is a huge relief for us. After the fire disaster, many traders lost everything. Your presence and this intervention are not just timely but historic,” he said.