From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Oni, has commended Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s uncommon efforts towards creating an enabling environment for business, commerce and industry to thrive in the state.
The Minister, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Maryam Yalwa Katagum, also appreciated Ganduje for securing and promoting ease of doing business in the state.
They were in Kano at the weekend to witness the official commissioning of Mamuda Food and Confectionery, a subsidiary of Mamuda Group of Companies, at Challawa Industrial Area.
The duo acknowledged how the State government under Ganduje, created enabling and peaceful atmosphere for businesses to flourish in Kano.
Otunba Richard stated that, “this administration of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, means business.
In making sure that, Kano bounces back in the area of industrialisation. He is doing his best in creating good environment for business to flourish.”
In her remarks, Katagum called on the people of the state not to relent in making sure that, they benefit from the National Small and Medium Enterprises Support project, that was meant to empower businesses among Nigerians.
She added that “Kano and Lagos states were given higher numbers, looking at their population size. The way Kano state government is responding very positively in creating ease of doing business environment, the state deserves all support.”
In his remarks, Governor Ganduje appreciated all the support the state is getting from the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
He emphasised that, “if you look at President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts in pushing many encouraging and viable projects to Kano state, you will agree with me that, Kano has no option than to create opportunities and peaceful atmosphere for businesses to thrive.”
“We are very grateful that President Muhammadu Buhari is giving us all the courage in making, to reality, the industrialisation of our dear state Kano. This, will make the state to bounce back in a very effective and efficient way,” he acknowledged.
Ganduje insisted that President Buhari means well for Kano state, pointing out that the Federal Government has done a lot in the collective responsibility to bring back the lost glory of the state, in the area of industrialisation.
He also expressed optimism that soonest, Kano will take the centre stage as the commercial nerve centre of the North and some neighbouring West African nations.
Ganduje eulogized President Buhari for the inauguration of Kano-Kaduna-Abuja Pipeline project (AKK) and Kano-Katsina-Jibia-Maradi rail road project, among others.
Ganduje added that, “the mega railway stations in Kano, Dambatta and Kazaure and Inland Dry Port project are also other milestone projects that could elevate our economic fortunes without any let or hindrance.
“This should be seen within the purview of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s unrelenting efforts in making Kano Industrialisation project a reality.”
Ganduje further hinted that, the sum of over N2 Billion was committed by the state government on the Inland Dry Port project.
He revealed that, “just to make it a reality. We provided road network and the construction of road network in some parts of the general area is still ongoing. We are also hoping that, this project will be commissioned at the end of this year.”
The Governor further stated that, “we will continue providing security in the state, so that our businesses will continue to thrive. This means a lot in the development of our dear state and the country in general.”
Ganduje also urged Federal Government to expedite action in the commissioning of the expanded International Wing of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
“We spoke with many Airlines, for example Emirates Airline were here many times indicating their readiness to start operation from Kano end. It was as result of that, that we did some work to improve the security architecture at the Airport.
“We improved the scanning system at some identified points. We also improved the security system of the main Gate,” he disclosed.
On his part the National President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engineer Mansur Ahmad appreciated Kano state government’s special focus and support to the business community, with the collaborative support of the Federal Government.
“We dearly appreciate Kano state government effort in providing secured environment for our businesses to flourish. While right policies are advanced and used, for the private sector to flourish, the use of local content is another area our governments are trying,” he added.
