The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing a comprehensive economic strategy aimed at transforming Kano State into Northern Nigeria’s leading commercial hub and a major gateway for trade across West Africa.

Speaking in Abuja over the weekend, Yilwatda described the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects in Kano and the broader Northern region as part of a deliberate and coordinated masterplan, rather than isolated interventions.

According to him, the Tinubu administration is focused on restoring Kano’s historical role as a major centre for commerce, manufacturing and transnational trade.

He noted that key projects under the plan include the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway, which is expected to link Kano to Abuja and southern parts of the country, reducing transportation costs and improving logistics. He added that the Kano–Maradi rail line will further connect the state to Niger Republic and other parts of the Sahel, expanding regional trade opportunities.

Yilwatda also highlighted the proposed Kano Metropolitan Rail Service, which he said would modernise urban transportation within the city and ease congestion, as well as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, expected to supply gas for industrial use and boost manufacturing activities in the region.

Other projects include ongoing investments in power infrastructure across the Northern industrial corridor and the rehabilitation of major road networks such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway. He also referenced the planned Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, which is intended to link northern agricultural zones with southern ports.

The APC chairman said the focus on Kano is driven by its strategic importance as the largest commercial centre in Northern Nigeria and its proximity to key West African markets. He added that revitalising Kano’s industrial base—particularly in textiles, leather and agro-processing—would play a critical role in boosting economic growth and reducing unemployment in the region.

He further stated that the administration aims to position Kano as a second major commercial city after Lagos, thereby reducing pressure on the country’s existing economic capital.

Yilwatda criticised opposition parties for what he described as a lack of constructive ideas, accusing them of prioritising political attacks over national development.

He expressed confidence that the administration’s infrastructure and industrialisation agenda would significantly reshape the economic landscape of Northern Nigeria and reposition Kano as a leading commercial hub in the region.

The statement was signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy to the APC National Chairman.