COMMISSIONER SAGAGI’S VISIT MUST SPARK REAL CHANGE IN KANO’S URBAN AND ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE

 COMMISSIONER SAGAGI’S VISIT MUST SPARK REAL CHANGE IN KANO’S URBAN AND ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE


By Tijjani Sarki

Good Governance Advocate and Public Policy Analyst

August 27, 2025


The recent visit by the Honorable Commissioner of Commerce, Hon. Gwani Shehu Sagagi, to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning under Hon. Abduljabbar Umar marks a critical turning point or at least it should in Kano State’s approach to economic development and urban planning. It is a move worth commending, and one that should spark not just hope, but action.


Yet, while we appreciate the intent and potential of this strategic meeting, we must confront a hard truth, it is deeply unfortunate and frankly unacceptable that Kano Metropolis, home to the state capital and at least eight local governments, cannot boast of a single standard, medium-scale market.


Worse still, many of the once-thriving industrial layouts in areas like Sharada have tragically morphed into warehouses, guest houses, or event centres a far cry from their original purpose of driving production, innovation, and employment. Industrial zones in Kawaji–Dakata–Sauna axis are not left out, with plots initially designated for industries now overtaken by the rapid growth of unplanned residential development.


Most worrisome is the increasing trend of small-scale industries operating within residential areas. This poses not only serious public health hazards due to industrial pollution but also significant fire risks, threatening lives and property. Such practices are a consequence of poor planning and the lack of designated industrial clusters.



A SHOCKING DEFICIT IN URBAN COMMERCIAL PLANNING

Consider this,from Kofar Pampo down to Panshekara, across both sides including the Sharada–Tukuntawa axis, there exists no properly planned, medium-scale market. None.


Travel from Kofar Kabuga to Rijiyar Lemo, including Kofar Dawanau and Dandinshe, and you will see the same, unregulated, haphazard commercial setups shops erected by individuals without any coordinated planning or vision. Go from Kofar Nasarawa through Hotoro to the Eastern Bypass, and the story repeats itself.


It’s astonishing and frankly, a planning failure that many densely populated residential areas have been developed without any provision for well-organized commercial hubs. This not only stifles economic growth but contributes to urban chaos, traffic congestion, and diminished quality of life.


THE URGENT CASE FOR INDUSTRIAL LAYOUTS AND STRUCTURED COMMERCIAL CLUSTERS

The initiative to create new industrial layouts on the outskirts of Kano city is not just timely,it is absolutely necessary. If implemented properly, it will:


i. Decongest the city center

ii. Provide organized space for small and medium-scale industries

iii. Boost job creation and local entrepreneurship

iv. Enhance tax revenue through formal business registration.

iv. Improve urban aesthetics and safety

v. Elevate the standard of living for residents



However, to achieve this, a robust synergy between all relevant MDAs is essential. The Ministries of Land, Commerce, Works, and Urban Planning must collaborate, while local government councils should play a key role in grassroots implementation. Equally important is community sensitization and stakeholder engagement, to ensure public buy-in and sustainability.


ESTATE DEVELOPERS MUST BE BROUGHT IN WITH CLEAR REGULATIONS

Given the capital-intensive nature of these layouts, it is advisable that credible estate developers be invited to invest in the projects. But this must be done with one non-negotiable condition, strict adherence to government-approved master plans and regulatory frameworks.


Kano must avoid repeating the past mistakes of uncontrolled development that bred slums, fire hazards, and social unrest. Private investment is welcome but not at the expense of the city’s safety, order, or future.


Let it be clearly stated, the era of disorderly, roadside, and unregulated commercial activity is over.


FINAL THOUGHTS

Commissioner Sagagi’s visit is laudable and commendable. It reflects a sincere effort to transition from empty rhetoric to practical solutions. But the big question remains will this visit produce results, or just another file in the archives of forgotten plans?


The people of Kano have waited long enough. Now is the time for coordinated action, transparent planning, and bold implementation.


Because a well-planned city is a prosperous city, and Kano can no longer afford to fall short.


Sarki write from Zawaciki,Kano

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