The House of Representatives, recognizing the critical role of Bompai, Sharada, and Chalawa Industrial Estates in the economic landscape of Kano State and Nigeria, has called for urgent government intervention to revitalize these declining industrial hubs. Once vibrant centers of manufacturing and employment, these estates have witnessed a significant downturn in activity, impacting not only the local economy but also contributing to broader societal challenges. The House’s resolution underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted issues plaguing these industrial zones.
Historically, these three estates have been instrumental in driving economic growth in Kano and the broader northern region of Nigeria. Hosting over a thousand manufacturing industries spanning diverse sectors, from textiles and motor vehicle assembly to pharmaceuticals and plastics, they once employed an estimated 1.5 million skilled and unskilled workers. This substantial workforce contributed significantly to the livelihoods of countless families and generated considerable revenue for both the state and federal governments. The estates also played a vital role in bolstering Nigeria’s overall industrial capacity and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this once-thriving industrial ecosystem has been steadily eroding, transforming these bustling centers of production into mere storage warehouses.
The decline, which began around 2014, has been attributed to a confluence of factors. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has documented this downward trend, highlighting the deterioration of Kano’s status as a major industrial hub. Among the key challenges are the lack of essential infrastructure, including reliable power and water supplies. The collapse of the railway system, coupled with poor road conditions, further impedes the efficient transportation of goods and raw materials. Multiple layers of taxation burden businesses, while the significant distance between Kano and Nigeria’s seaports adds logistical complexities and costs.
The consequences of this industrial decline are far-reaching and extend beyond economic hardship. Rising unemployment, particularly among youth, fuels despair and contributes to insecurity within Kano and the surrounding region. This precarious situation creates a breeding ground for social unrest and presents a potential security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors. The House acknowledges the gravity of this situation and emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration and potential escalation of social tensions.
In response to this urgent situation, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the Bompai, Sharada, and Chalawa Industrial Estates. This declaration would signal a commitment to prioritizing the revitalization of these crucial economic zones. The House calls for collaboration between relevant government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment and the Bank of Industry, to develop a targeted credit scheme to support the struggling industries within the estates. This financial support is seen as crucial for re-equipping, modernizing, and re-energizing these businesses.
Furthermore, the House has recommended a series of measures aimed at fostering a more conducive environment for domestic manufacturing. These include withdrawing incentives that currently favor the importation of goods that can be produced locally. This shift in policy aims to reduce unnecessary competition and provide a much-needed boost to indigenous industries. Additionally, the House has mandated its Committee on Industry to collaborate with various federal ministries, including Trade, Industry and Investment, Works, and the Federal Inland Revenue Services, as well as the Kano State Government, to address the persistent challenges of multiple taxation, inadequate road networks, and unreliable energy supply. This multi-agency approach underscores the recognition that a concerted and collaborative effort is essential to effectively address the complexities of the situation and achieve sustainable revitalization of these vital industrial estates. The House’s resolution represents a critical step towards addressing the challenges faced by these estates and ensuring their contribution to a vibrant and prosperous future for Kano and Nigeria.
