By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State chapter of the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) has thrown its weight behind the state government’s plan to construct 1,000 shops at the Farm Centre, a bustling commercial area in Kano city, describing the project as a major step toward boosting the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and supporting small businesses.
Speaking to reporters in his office, the NASSI Chairman, Comrade Danlami Shuaibu, applauded the initiative and emphasized its potential economic impact.
“Kano is the commercial nerve centre of the Northwest. This development will not only improve Jigawa State’s IGR but also create new opportunities for small-scale businesses to grow and thrive,” Shuaibu said.
He explained that the area earmarked for the project had previously been lost to private encroachment but was recently reclaimed and converted into a functional commercial zone.
“It has come a long way — it was once a lost land, but it has now been recovered and transformed into a space for meaningful economic activity,” he noted.
Shuaibu further stated that small business operators are already aware of the preparations underway for the project and are optimistic about the opportunities it will present.
He also highlighted the strategic location of the site, which historically served as a transit point for travelers between Kano and Jigawa, positioning it as a prime spot for commercial activity.
The NASSI chairman expressed confidence that the new market will rival existing internal markets in the region, driving competitiveness and stimulating local commerce.
“The construction of these 1,000 shops is not just about infrastructure. It’s about laying the foundation for long-term economic growth, empowering entrepreneurs, and strengthening the small-scale industrial base,” he added.
The project is widely viewed as a bold and forward-thinking effort by the Jigawa State government to expand its revenue streams while fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.