New electrical and electronics hub targets regional trade expansion, reduces overseas sourcing pressure
The newly inaugurated Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market in Kano is projected to generate about ₦50 billion in revenue and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities when fully operational.
The Chief Executive Officer of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, disclosed this during the commissioning of the facility held on Saturday at the former Luxurious Bus Park along New Road, Tudun Wada, Sabon Gari area of Kano.
Developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Kano State Government, Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited and ZOEC Construction, the market is expected to serve as a major trading centre for electrical and electronic products in Nigeria and across the West African region.
Abdussalam described the facility as one of the largest dedicated electrical and electronics markets in West Africa, noting that the project was designed to transform Kano into a strategic commercial and distribution hub.
He said the market would provide a modern platform for traders and investors by bringing thousands of businesses under one roof.
“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,” Abdussalam said.
₦30bn investment project attracts global partners
According to the company’s chief executive officer, the project has an estimated value of between ₦25 billion and ₦30 billion and has already attracted international participation from investors and companies in Egypt and China.
Some of the foreign partners have established permanent showrooms within the facility, creating a platform that could enable traders to access products locally rather than relying heavily on overseas markets.
Abdussalam revealed that between 60 and 65 per cent of the available shops had already been sold, indicating strong interest from businesses ahead of full operations.
The market will accommodate more than 1,500 shops and includes several modern facilities aimed at improving trading efficiency and security.
These include basement parking facilities with capacity for about 700 vehicles, underground storage areas capable of holding more than 30 forty-foot containers, a central firefighting system and sprinkler installations.
Project expected to boost employment and economic activity
Abdussalam highlighted the economic impact of the project, stating that thousands of people had already benefited during the construction phase.
“The economic impact will be enormous. During construction alone, over 1,000 people, including labourers, masons and professionals, worked on the site every day. When suppliers and other participants in the value chain are included, more than 8,000 people have already benefited from the project. After the market is fully operational, we project that more than 100,000 people will benefit directly and indirectly,” he said.
He explained that the market was developed to support job creation, deepen commercial activities and reduce the cost and challenges associated with Nigerian traders travelling abroad to source electrical and electronic goods.
The project is also expected to strengthen supply chains by connecting manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers within a single commercial environment.
Federal Government highlights role of PPP and digital commerce
Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, said the Federal Government had taken steps to simplify Public-Private Partnership arrangements in order to encourage more private sector investment in infrastructure development.
Represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Kabir Dutse, the minister said the ministry had created a PPP framework aimed at improving access for investors within Nigeria and internationally.
“As part of our mandate and responsibility as a government, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has streamlined the bottlenecks associated with Public-Private Partnership arrangements. We have developed a workable model that is accessible to all our partners across Nigeria and even beyond,” Ata said.
The minister described the Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market as an example of how digitalisation is reshaping modern commerce.
“There is no better way to transform the market sector today than through digitalisation. That is the global trend. 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 added.
He commended Summit Bank, Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, ZOEC Construction and the Kano State Government for delivering the project, describing it as a major investment that would promote trade, attract investors and create employment opportunities.
Kano strengthens position as commercial centre
The commissioning ceremony attracted government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners and industry stakeholders who expressed optimism that the facility would increase economic activity and expand regional trade.
Stakeholders noted that the Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market could further strengthen Kano’s reputation as Northern Nigeria’s commercial hub by providing modern infrastructure for businesses and creating a more organised marketplace for electrical and electronic products.
With its focus on technology-driven commerce, international partnerships and large-scale employment generation, the project is expected to play a significant role in reshaping trade patterns within Kano, Nigeria and the wider African market.