The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is executing a historic and intentional economic masterplan aimed at transforming the North through Kano State.
Professor Yilwatda made this declaration in Abuja over the weekend, emphasizing that the Federal Government’s ongoing investments in infrastructure and industry across Kano and the broader Northern corridor are not random or isolated initiatives.
He said they were rather components of a coordinated strategy to restore Kano to its historical position as the economic heartbeat of Northern Nigeria and one of Africa’s most vital inland commercial centers.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just developing Kano; he is reshaping the economic future of Northern Nigeria through Kano.
“His administration is acutely aware that Kano serves as the natural commercial nerve center of the North and the gateway between Nigeria and the expansive West African hinterland,” he said in a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy.
The National Chairman articulated that President Tinubu’s strategic economic vision aims to position Kano as the largest business and industrial hub in Nigeria, following Lagos, while also establishing it as the primary gateway for trade into the Sahel and Francophone West Africa.
Professor Yilwatda underscored several significant infrastructure projects currently underway under the Tinubu administration, which are anticipated to convert Kano into a mega commercial city.
He noted that the Federal Government is expediting the completion of the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway, a project that will link Kano directly to Abuja and Southern Nigeria via modern rail logistics.
He also mentioned the Kano–Maradi rail line which will link Kano with the Niger Republic and the larger Sahel trade region; the newly sanctioned Kano Metropolitan Rail Service; the AKK Gas Pipeline and targeted investments in power generation and transmission throughout the Northern industrial corridor.
According to the APC Chairman, there is the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the crucial Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road corridor will enhance connectivity between Kano and the rest of the nation, improving trade efficiency. Meanwhile, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway will establish a new economic corridor that links Northern agricultural regions to Southern export markets and ports, thereby unlocking business opportunities across the entire North-West.
Professor Yilwatda articulated that President Tinubu’s substantial investment in Kano is motivated by strategic national economic factors: Kano Is Northern Nigeria’s Largest Commercial Ecosystem. He added, “Kano is home to one of the largest market and manufacturing clusters in Africa and continues to serve as the natural business capital of Northern Nigeria.
“Kano Is Nigeria’s Gateway to the Sahel. Its strategic geographical position renders it the optimal export and logistics center for trade with Niger, Chad, and the broader Francophone West Africa.
“Kano’s historical prowess in textiles, leather, agro-processing, and commerce is essential for revitalizing the Northern industrial landscape. President Tinubu’s administration aims to lessen the reliance on Lagos by developing Kano into a second leading commercial center.
Enhancing trade, industry, and job opportunities in Kano and the broader Northern region is crucial for alleviating poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.” Professor Yilwatda stated that no prior administration has created such a thorough and interconnected infrastructure plan for Northern Nigeria.
“Who has previously envisioned this magnitude of integrated development for the North: railways, gas pipelines, urban transit, industrial energy, superhighways, and regional trade routes, all intended to function cohesively?
This represents vision. This exemplifies strategic leadership. This is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is achieving,” he said.
The APC National Chairman condemned opposition parties for what he termed their fixation on insults, propaganda, and power politics instead of focusing on national progress. He said, “While President Tinubu is constructing the infrastructure foundation that will revolutionize the North for future generations, the opposition is preoccupied with personal ambitions and the pursuit of power for its own sake.
“They present no ideas, no plans, no alternative vision. Their sole manifesto is to disparage the APC and undermine every developmental initiative because they lack the ability to think beyond political rivalry.”
Professor Yilwatda emphasized that President Tinubu’s infrastructure and industrial strategy will significantly change the economic future of Northern Nigeria and elevate Kano as the unquestionable economic capital of the North.
“History will recognize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the leader who restored Kano to its former glory, industrialized the North, and established the infrastructure foundation for Nigeria’s forthcoming era of prosperity,” he said.”
