Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano state has pledged to inject two billion naira for the redevelopment of the Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano metropolis which was gutted by fire.
This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Tofa in Kano on Saturday.
The governor said the intervention is in response to recent fire outbreaks that destroyed parts of the market and to mitigate the loss and meet the growing needs of traders and their customers.
Yusuf, who had made the pledge when he visited the market on Friday, assured the market leaders and traders of support.
He said the support funding initiative would cover reconstruction of affected sections, expansion of the market through additional land acquisition, and the establishment of a fire station with modern firefighting equipment.
“The project will also feature installation of solar-powered streetlights to enhance security and visibility, construction of a pedestrian bridge, development of drainage systems, and rehabilitation of access roads within and around the market,” he said.
Yusuf assured that the project when completed, would transform the market into an international trading hub that would attract traders from neighbouring countries and promote regional commerce.
He added that a dedicated management structure would be established to ensure transparency, efficiency and sustainability in the market’s operations.
The governor urged traders and market users to support security agencies in addressing the rising cases of phone snatching and petty crimes around the area.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, adding that the state’s 26 vocational training institutes would continue to provide platforms for skills acquisition and job creation.
Also in his remarks, Chairman of the Market, Mr Jamilu Gama, thanked the governor for the intervention.
He said the traders were encouraged by the government’s swift response, especially following the recent fire incident.
“The Farm Centre GSM Market, which operates across 20 plazas, is a major hub for mobile phones, gadgets and related services.
” It provides direct employment to more than 39,000 youths, making it one of the largest tech-related informal job centres in Northern Nigeria,” Gama said.
