The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is implementing a strategic economic plan designed to transform Kano into Northern Nigeria’s leading economic centre and a major gateway for trade across West Africa.
The claim was made in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by Yilwatda’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.
Yilwatda explained that ongoing federal investments in infrastructure and industry are part of a broader plan to restore Kano’s historic prominence as the commercial hub of the North.
He noted that the administration aims to position Kano as Nigeria’s second-largest industrial and business centre after Lagos, citing its strategic importance as a link between Nigeria and the Sahel region.
According to him, the president’s approach goes beyond development, describing it as a long-term effort to reshape the economic landscape of Northern Nigeria through Kano.
Among key projects highlighted is the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway, expected to improve connectivity between Kano, Abuja and the southern parts of the country, while reducing transport costs and travel time. The project is slated for completion this year.
He also pointed to the Kano-Maradi railway, which will connect Kano to Niger Republic and strengthen trade ties with Francophone West Africa, with completion projected for 2027.
Other initiatives include the Kano Metropolitan Rail Service aimed at improving urban mobility, as well as investments in power infrastructure along the Kaduna-Kano industrial corridor to boost electricity supply for businesses.
Yilwatda further highlighted the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, which he said would provide energy for industries and help revitalise manufacturing in the region.
He added that major road projects such as the Abuja-Kano highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway are expected to enhance connectivity between northern agricultural zones and southern ports.
The APC chairman stressed that the revitalisation of Kano is key to rebuilding Northern Nigeria’s industrial capacity and supporting national economic stability, insisting that the current administration’s approach is unprecedented.
He also criticised opposition parties, accusing them of focusing on political attacks rather than presenting viable policy alternatives or contributing meaningfully to national development discussions.
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