The Kano State government is moving to implement a policy that would reserve 75 per cent of skilled and 100 per cent of unskilled job opportunities in private companies operating within the state for indigenes. The initiative is aimed at addressing rising youth unemployment and ensuring that local residents, particularly young people and women, have fair access to jobs in the growing private sector.
Chairman of the Special Committee on the Domestication of the Federal Character Principle in Kano, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said the proposal seeks to promote fairness and inclusiveness for Kano indigenes while supporting the state’s economic development.
Presenting the document, titled Draft Kano State Inclusive Employment Policy 2025, to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Muhammad explained that the policy was developed under the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The draft aims to increase local participation in private-sector employment, particularly in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are major drivers of job creation in the state.
“The draft policy seeks to address challenges of marginalisation, enhance equity in recruitment processes, and strengthen the participation of our citizens especially youth and women in the growing private sector of the state,” Dr. Muhammad stated.
He added that the policy would help private enterprises align with the state’s workforce development goals, ensuring that indigenes benefit directly from job opportunities generated by local businesses.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen MSMEs in Kano, with the government encouraging businesses to prioritize skill development and job creation for locals. By linking employment policies to economic growth, the state hopes to reduce unemployment while fostering a more inclusive business environment.
According to the committee, once approved, the policy will serve as a framework for private companies to integrate local workforce development strategies, including training and capacity-building programmes for young professionals and women.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has emphasised that this approach is intended to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance economic participation, and ensure that the benefits of private-sector growth are felt widely across Kano State.
