Kano has reinforced its position as one of Nigeria's leading commercial centres with the commissioning of the Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market, a major investment expected to generate about ₦50 billion in economic value and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Located at the former Luxurious Bus Park along New Road in Tudun Wada, Sabon Gari, the market was developed through a Public-Private Partnership involving the Kano State Government, Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited and ZOEC Construction.
Designed as one of West Africa's largest dedicated electrical and electronics markets, the facility will house more than 1,500 shops, bringing dealers together in a modern trading environment built to support investment and large-scale commerce.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Chief Executive Officer of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, said the project would strengthen Kano's role as a major commercial and distribution hub for Nigeria and the wider West African region.
He added that the market would provide an alternative sourcing destination for traders across Africa, reducing the need for many businesses to travel to China to purchase electrical and electronic products in bulk.
Valued at between ₦25 billion and ₦30 billion, the development has already attracted companies from Egypt and China, which are establishing permanent showrooms within the complex. Abdussalam also disclosed that between 60 and 65 per cent of the shops have already been sold.
The market features basement parking for about 700 vehicles, underground storage capable of accommodating more than 30 forty-foot containers, and a central firefighting system with sprinkler installations.
According to Abdussalam, the project created jobs even before completion, with more than 1,000 labourers, masons and professionals working on-site daily during construction. Including suppliers and others in the value chain, he said over 8,000 people have already benefited from the project.
He projected that once fully operational, the market would support more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs while expanding commerce and reducing the dependence of Nigerian traders on overseas sourcing.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Kabir Aminu Dutse, said the Federal Government has streamlined Public-Private Partnership processes to encourage greater private sector investment in infrastructure.
He noted that the ministry has developed an accessible PPP framework for investors within and outside Nigeria, describing the Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market as a strong example of how digitalisation is transforming commerce and driving economic growth.
Government officials, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders who attended the commissioning expressed optimism that the project would stimulate economic activity, expand regional trade and further strengthen Kano's status as Northern Nigeria's commercial hub.
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