Kano State Govt Seeks Stronger Economic Ties With China
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State says his administration is committed to strengthening economic and infrastructure collaboration with China.
Yusuf, therefore,invited Chinese investors to take advantage of the state’s conducive business environment.
The governor made the remarks while hosting the Chinese delegation led by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dunhai Yu, at the Government House on Thursday.
He described Kano as a strategic commercial hub with immense opportunities for investment.
“Kano is a historical commercial center in the sub-Saharan Africa and an industrial hub with a conducive business environment for Chinese investors. The state offers significant economic advantages, including access to raw materials, a strategic location and large markets,” he said.
Yusuf noted China’s global economic leadership and its remarkable strides in infrastructure, banking, insurance and industrialization.
He also recognized China’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, citing trade, investment, infrastructure and financial assistance as key areas of collaboration.
“The bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached over $22.6 billion in 2023, and Kano has benefited greatly from this relationship. Chinese companies have played a major role in infrastructure development within the state,” he said.
The governor also stated that about 55 per cent of ongoing infrastructure projects in Kano were being handled by Chinese firms, citing the construction of five major flyovers, four of which were built by Chinese companies.
He expressed gratitude for their contributions and assured continued cooperation.
He announced plans to unveil a five-year multisectoral investment strategy (2025-2029) to attract more Chinese investors.
“We have attractive incentives that will not only attract but also retain investments in Kano State,” Yusuf said.
In his remarks,Ambassador Dunhai Yu expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing Kano as a key economic and cultural hub in West Africa with over 1,000 years of rich history.
“Kano is home to many Chinese investors and entrepreneurs, and they all feel welcome here,” he said. The relationship between China and Kano is built on mutual respect and beneficial cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and education,”Yu said.
He expressed China’s commitment to expanding partnerships with Kano, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure development, trade, and education.
He also revealed plans to facilitate investment from Shandong Province, one of China’s largest economies into Kano’s agricultural sector, irrigation systems, and manufacturing industry.
The ambassador also reaffirmed China’s willingness to support Nigeria’s push for economic diversification, particularly through investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing.
“China leads the world in electric vehicles and renewable energy, and we are ready to collaborate with Kano to advance its industrialization efforts,” he said.
