Kano Digital Market to End Traders’ Dependence on China — Developer
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Chief Executive Officer of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, has said the newly commissioned Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market in Kano will significantly reduce the need for Nigerian traders to travel to China to source electrical and electronic products.
Abdussalam made the assertion on Saturday during the commissioning of the market at the former Luxurious Bus Park along New Road, Tudun Wada, Sabon Gari, describing the facility as a strategic investment designed to transform Kano into a regional hub for electronics trade.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the market would accommodate more than 1,500 shops, bringing dealers in electrical and electronic products under one roof while providing world-class infrastructure to support wholesale and retail transactions.
According to him, the project, valued at between ₦25 billion and ₦30 billion, has already attracted international partners, with companies from China and Egypt establishing permanent showrooms within the complex to serve customers across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Abdussalam disclosed that between 60 and 65 per cent of the shops had already been sold, expressing confidence that the remaining units would be taken up as business activities gather momentum.
He added that the market boasts a basement parking facility for about 700 vehicles, underground storage capable of accommodating more than 30 forty-foot containers, and modern fire safety systems, including central firefighting and sprinkler installations.
The developer said the project is expected to generate about ₦50 billion in revenue while creating more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs upon full operation, making it one of the most impactful commercial investments in Northern Nigeria.
“The economic impact will be enormous. During construction alone, over 1,000 people worked on the site every day, and when suppliers and others in the value chain are included, more than 8,000 people have already benefited. Once fully operational, we project that over 100,000 people will benefit directly and indirectly,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Kabir Aminu Dutse, said the Federal Government had strengthened its Public-Private Partnership framework to encourage private investment in critical infrastructure.
Ata described the Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market as a model for technology-driven commerce, stressing that digitalisation remains essential to improving trade and boosting economic prosperity.
“There is no better way to transform the market sector today than through digitalisation. Across the world, every meaningful improvement in commerce and economic prosperity is driven by digital innovation, and that is exactly what we are witnessing in this project,” he said.
He commended Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, ZOEC Construction, Summit Bank and the Kano State Government for delivering what he described as a landmark commercial project that would attract investment, expand regional trade and reinforce Kano’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading commercial centres.
