By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano The Hajjaj-ZOEC Digital Market, described as a modern hub for electrical and electronics trading, was o...
By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano
The Hajjaj-ZOEC Digital Market, described as a modern hub for electrical and electronics trading, was on Saturday grand commissioned in Kano, with government officials, bankers, and business leaders describing it as a landmark investment that will transform commerce in the state and create thousands of jobs.
The commissioning ceremony attracted top dignitaries including the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi representatives of the Minister of State for Housing, Hon. Abdullahi Ata, Managing Director of Summit Bank, Alhaji Sirajo Salisu, former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmad Idris, and the Commandant of Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin Tofa, Commodore Ahmad Abubakar Madawaki.
The Attorney General, Barrister Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude who spoke on behalf of the state government, thanked God and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for creating an enabling environment for investors like Hajjaj-ZOEC to thrive in Kano.
“We thank God and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for giving room for business people like Hajjaj-ZOEC to come and do projects like this. We also commend Hajjaj-ZOEC for the effort, for proving that they have the capacity and for seeing the project through. We also commend Summit Bank for financing the project until it became a reality. They have shown that they are people with foresight,” he said.
Barr. Maude noted that since Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf assumed office, issues of double taxation have been eliminated in Kano, and several levies have been removed. He added that the state government has introduced a PPP Policy to make it easier for the private sector to contribute to economic growth.
Representing the Minister of State for Housing, Alhaji Kabiru Amin Special Assistant Technical, said the Hajjaj-ZOEC project, supported by Summit Bank and the Kano State Government, is a major development that will expand commerce in Kano using modern methods.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Summit Bank, Alhaji Sirajo Salisu, expressed delight at financing the Hajjaj project. He said the bank’s doors remain open for more business collaborations aimed at boosting trade and economic growth in Kano.
The Chief Executive Officer of Hajjaj Estate Limited, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam Hajjaj, said the digital market is the first of its kind in Africa, dedicated to the sale of electrical and electronic appliances with world-class facilities.
He explained that the market has 1,500 shops, an underground parking lot with capacity for over 500 vehicles, warehouses that can accommodate 300 large containers and 11 underground water tanks for fire safety.
“Construction started 10 months ago. By the grace of God, trading will begin in the next 8 months. Already over 1,000 people are working on the site. When you add our staff across different departments, we have over 8,000 people employed directly and indirectly. When operations begin, we expect over 100,000 people to benefit within and outside the country,” Alhaji Jamilu said.
He added that major companies from different countries are expected to bring in goods, which will make it easier for traders to import directly.
The former Accountant General of the Federation who has a traditional title holders of Ajiyan Hausa, Matawallen Hausawan Turai Ahmad Idris. congratulated Hajjaj-ZOEC and the people of Kano on the project. He said he had never seen a facility like it anywhere in Nigeria.
He urged government to continue supporting such investments and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“It is not right that before a project even starts, government agencies will come one after another asking for this tax and that levy. That discourages investors. We pray to God to grow this place. We hope all traders and investors in Kano and across Nigeria will come and invest here,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin Tofa, Commodore Ahmad Abubakar Madawaki. said the Navy has a good relationship with Hajjaj-ZOEC as some of their students are currently undergoing industrial training with the company for six months.
He said the establishment of the Navy Logistics College in Kano in 2001 was a major achievement for the state. “By the grace of God, the college will soon start offering National Diploma programmes. People from Kano and the entire North-West will benefit. A lot of opportunities will come out of this school for our people,” he stated.
The Hajjaj-ZOEC Digital Market. is expected to become the central hub for electrical and electronics trading in Northern Nigeria and beyond, aligning with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s agenda to boost commerce, create jobs, and attract investment to Kano State.
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