‘Kano digital market to generate 100,000 jobs’

Kano State's new Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market is poised to become a significant economic engine, generating an estimated N50 billion in revenue and creating more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, CEO of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited.

Commissioned on Saturday at the former Luxurious Bus Park, the market is a product of a Public-Private Partnership involving the Kano State Government, Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, and ZOEC Construction. Abdussalam described the facility as one of West Africa's largest specialized markets for electrical and electronics goods, designed to establish Kano as a primary commercial and distribution hub for Nigeria and the wider region.

The market will house over 1,500 shops, consolidating dealers of electrical and electronic products under one roof with modern infrastructure. Abdussalam noted that the project, valued between N25 billion and N30 billion, has already attracted international partners from Egypt and China, who are setting up showrooms. Approximately 60-65% of the shops have already been sold.

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We believe this market is not only an opportunity for Kano State or Northern Nigeria but for the entire African continent. Instead of travelling all the way to China to purchase goods in bulk, traders will be able to come to Kano and place their orders here.

Abdussalam highlighted the project's substantial economic impact, noting that over 1,000 individuals worked on-site daily during construction, with more than 8,000 people benefiting when suppliers are included. He projected that over 100,000 people would benefit directly and indirectly once the market is fully operational. The facility also includes extensive parking and storage capabilities.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, represented by his Special Assistant, Kabir Aminu Dutse, affirmed the Federal Government's commitment to streamlining Public-Private Partnership processes to encourage private sector involvement in infrastructure development.

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The economic impact will be enormous. During construction alone, over 1,000 people, including labourers, masons and professionals, worked on the site every day. When suppliers and other participants in the value chain are included, more than 8,000 people have already benefited from the project. After the market is fully operational, we project that more than 100,000 people will benefit directly and indirectly.