Uba Sani: I’ll make Kaduna North’s industrial hub

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has vowed to make the state Northern Nigeria’s industrial hub by supporting local manufacturing clusters, digitalising enterprises, and supporting innovators.

Sani made the vow at the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai, said “economic transformation must be built from within” and not imported.

“By empowering our farmers, supporting our manufacturers, digitising our enterprises, and enabling our innovators. Kaduna State is strategically positioned as Northern Nigeria’s industrial,” he said.

Governor Sani said the remodeling of the Panteka Market, promoting agro-processing and value addition, expanding digital innovation hubs and tech ecosystems, are part of the efforts.

He also mentioned the procurement policies that prioritise local businesses, and facilitating access to finance for MSMEs and startups, as part of his administration’s economic transformation.

Explaining what local content development means, the governor said: “It is ensuring that Kaduna talent, Kaduna resources, and Kaduna enterprises are central to Kaduna’s growth story.”

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Sani described innovation as the bridge between reform and tangible economic results, adding that Kaduna State is advancing digital skills development for youth and women.

Sani stressed that the state is not only open for business but ready for the future because “it is building an ecosystem where creativity meets capital, where ideas become enterprises, and where innovation drives productivity.”

He further stated that the Kaduna International Trade Fair remains one of the most important economic platforms in West Africa as it provides an opportunity to showcase indigenous products and services.

The governor noted that the Fair also strengthens trade relationships, attracts domestic and foreign investment, and promotes inter-state and regional collaboration.

Sani, therefore, called on investors to partner with the Kaduna State Government because “we encourage entrepreneurs to expand boldly”.

He added: “We challenge our youth to innovate relentlessly. And we assure development partners that Kaduna remains a credible and reliable partner.”

“Our local content strategy ensures that growth is not concentrated in a few sectors but spreads across agriculture, manufacturing, services, creative industries, and digital technology.

“When local businesses thrive, communities prosper. When innovation expands, opportunities multiply. When partnerships deepen, transformation accelerates.”

The Star