KANO State is on the verge of implementing a landmark employment reform that could transform job opportunities for its citizens.
The state government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is considering a bold policy that would mandate private businesses operating within Kano to allocate 75 per cent of skilled jobs and 100 per cent of unskilled and semi-skilled positions to indigenes of the state.
The proposed reform is contained in a comprehensive document titled “Draft Kano State Inclusive Employment Policy 2025,” which was formally presented to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruq Ibrahim Umar, by the Chairman of the Special Committee on the Domestication of the Federal Character Principle in Kano, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim explained that the policy was initiated at the directive of Governor Yusuf as part of a deliberate effort to tackle the state’s rising unemployment, particularly among youth and women, and to correct what he described as “perceived imbalances and marginalization” in the recruitment practices of private organizations operating in Kano.
“The draft policy seeks to address the challenges of marginalization, enhance equity in recruitment processes, and strengthen the participation of our citizens—particularly youth and women—in the growing private sector of the state,” Dr. Ibrahim said.
“This effort was borne out of persistent outcry from civil society groups, the public, and the youth population, who have long lamented the disparities in employment opportunities in Kano’s private sector.
“By proposing 75% local content for skilled jobs and 100% for unskilled and semi-skilled labour, we are laying the foundation for a fairer and more inclusive labour market.”
He added that the committee worked meticulously to study, adapt, and domesticate the Federal Character Principle, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to suit the peculiar realities of Kano State.
Receiving the document on behalf of Governor Yusuf, SSG Alhaji Faruq Ibrahim Umar commended the committee for its work and stressed that youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in the state.
“Despite Kano’s vast potential and the availability of qualified manpower, our people have often been sidelined in private sector employment opportunities,” Umar lamented.
“This administration is committed to deploying every legal mechanism and institutional framework necessary to actualize this policy and guarantee fair representation for our citizens.”
The SSG assured that the government would carefully review the draft, consult widely with stakeholders, and take the steps required to turn the proposal into actionable policy.
If implemented, the policy is expected to significantly boost local employment, stimulate economic activity, and foster social inclusion, aligning with Governor Yusuf’s vision of reducing poverty and unemployment while strengthening unity across Kano’s diverse population.
An industrialist in the state, Ahmadu Maifulani told News Point Nigeria that the proposal could set a precedent for other states seeking to enforce job equity for their indigenes, potentially reshaping labour market dynamics in Nigeria’s private sector.
