From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has advanced strong reasons why the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas project should commence from the Kano end.
According to him, such move will encourage quick bounce back of industrial cum commercial activities in the Ancient Commercial city, which has been serving as the economic hub of not only northern Nigeria, but neighbouring sub-Saharan countries.
Ganduje also threw his weight at calls to rejuvenate Kano industries, insisting that such investment will go a long way to strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
Ganduje strongly suggested that, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas project should start from Kano end, so that it goes to Kaduna axis, not from the other end only.
He made the suggestion during the Kano State Turnaround Project Sensitisation meeting, held at Africa House, Government House, Kano, insisting that, it was through that mode of executing the project that Kano would re-appreciate the good move.
The AUTHORITY reports that the Turnaround stakeholders meeting was conceived with the objective to sensitize and facilitate the turnaround objective of various companies that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Kano, which has caused significant damage to the economic growth of the state,, the nation and the entire world.
Ganduje maintained that, “we want this Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas project to start from Kano towards Kaduna. Then let another leg come from Ajaokuta towards Kaduna axis, also. We then meet at the middle of it all,” he said.
According bro him, the gas project would make more serious impact to the state, where industries would bounce back, with non-stop operations.
“With this, we can be sure of achieving many feats. Because with gas, our industries would be producing at a cheaper rate unlike using electricity,” he added.
Speaking on the importance of the meeting, Ganduje said, “history has been made, where we succeeded in bringing together stakeholders in the industrial sector. Not only industrialists, but also other bodies like Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kano Investment (KANINVEST) among others.”
He promised to support the move to rejuvenate industries in the state, emphasising that all hands must be on deck to achieve that effectively and efficiently.
“I am extremely happy that we all gathered here to discuss these issues. It is under this, that weaknesses from all parts of the stakeholders would be unearth and dealt with,” he stated.
In her remarks the Regional Head of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of United Kingdom, Nafisa Ado, said, “as you are aware Sir, Kano is one of the FCDO’s key focal places in Nigeria.
“And thus, it is not just a coincidence that through our LINKS programme, we are supporting a project targeted at rejuvenating Kano to come back to be the hub of industrial activity that is known for.
“This Turnaround project is a revival measure for overcoming the challenges of industrial sickness by converting loss-making industrial units to a profitable making.
She urged Ganduje to support, “continuous synergy between the Kano state government, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and FCDO, because the success of Turnaround project heavily depends upon the commitment of the top-level managements of these partners.”
She, however, acknowledged how supportive Ganduje has been in boosting industries in the state.
She further hinted that, “I want especially extend our appreciation to His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, KANINVEST and the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engineer Mansur Ahmed, for organising this meeting on the Kano State Turnaround Project, in collaboration with LINKS/FCDO.”
In their separate remarks, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, President Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engineer Mansur Ahmed, Deputy Team Leader, LINKS, Bello Yakasai, Chairman KANINVEST, Isiyaku Umar Tofa and the Director General, KANINVEST, Hama Ali, they all supported the move and assured the state government of their unrelenting commitment.
