Kano govt proposes law requiring 75% indigenous employment in private sector

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf

The Kano State government has unveiled a proposed policy that would require private companies operating within the state to employ at least 75% of their workforce from among Kano indigenes.

To implement the policy, the state has formed a committee named the Kano State Committee on the Domestication of the Federal Character Principle and Private Sector Employment Policy.

The committee is tasked with drafting the proposed law and submitting it to the State House of Assembly and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approval.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement and validation meeting on Wednesday, the committee chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Garba, explained that the policy aims to address rising youth unemployment and social unrest in Kano.

He stated that the initiative responds to widespread concerns over the lack of local representation in employment across many private companies in the state.

“This committee was formed to engage with the private sector through consultation and dialogue, to ensure that indigenous people of Kano are prioritized for job opportunities,” Dr. Garba said.

“The 75% quota is clear—it means that three out of every four employees in companies operating in Kano should be from Kano, subject to the availability of required skills and qualifications.”

Dr. Garba also announced the development of a digital platform that contains a database of job seekers from the state, which private companies can access to recruit qualified local candidates.

At the event, stakeholders from various sectors expressed their support and concerns.

Muhammad Isyaku, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Kano branch, praised the committee’s efforts and emphasized the timeliness of the initiative.

However, Ahmad Zubair, Chairman of the National Association of School Proprietors, expressed concern over the low interest of youths in teaching jobs.

Meanwhile, Kabir Inuwa, Chairman of the Kano chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized that while the private sector plays a role in employment creation, the government must also fulfill its responsibilities.

Inuwa called for a strong collaboration between the government and private sector to effectively combat unemployment in the state.

The Star