DEPARTMENTS
The Ministry has six (6) functional departments each headed by a Director as follows:
1. Admin & General Service
2. Planning Research and Statistics
3. Commerce
4. Industry
5. Cooperatives
6. Tourism
1. ADMIN/GENERAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
This Department handles all matters relating to the general administration and finance of the Ministry. In addition, it performs the following functions:-
1. Coordinating general administrative matters pertaining to the Ministry.
2. Control of funds released to the Ministry for current and capital expenditure as well as personnel emoluments.
3. Handles all establishment and welfare issues of the Ministry.
4. Guiding and advising the Permanent Secretary on all related matters.
5. Responsible for training and retraining of staff.
6. Ensure the enforcement of disciplinary rules among the staff.
7. Processes the promotion, demotion, transfer of service, condonation/merger of service etc.
8. Drafting of memos and other correspondence.
It has a total of 68 staff and seven casual workers. The department has 2 main sections, Administration and Account Section, with Legal and public relation units.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Planning Research and Statistics Department is centrally vital to the operations of each department in the ministry. As such it is a facilitating department by virtue of its statutory functions.
ROLE
1. Articulating modalities for the implementation of any new system introduced to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness of the ministry.
2. Articulating the objectives and set target for the ministry in addition to monitoring and evaluation of their activities.
3. Removing the major weakness in the management and operational system in ministry.
4. Be active partner and initiator of all planning dialogue.
SCHEDULES OF DUTIES
i. Development planning and monitoring of the ministry’s sector in liaison with the ministry of planning and Budget.
ii. Planning and implementation of the ministry’s programme/project and other activities
iii. Research into problems and activities of the ministry
iv. Data and statistical management within the organization in liaison with ministry of planning and budget
v. Secretariat of the ministry’s Tender Board
vi. Responsible for the operations and management of the following:
a) Library
b) Computer
c) Ministry’s Data Bank
ACTIVITIES
Within the period under review, the department has undertaken activities with notable results as follows: -
TRADERS IDENTIFICATION CARD
The Planning Department initiated this project in 2013 with the aim of creating Data Management through a customized and reloadable ID Card that will capture detailed information on various businesses in the State. The Data to be obtained include Name, Address, Nature of business etc.
Hosting of the CBNEDC for the North West in Kano State: The department is facilitating the hosting of the Entrepreneurship Development Center for the North West Zone in Kano. An agreement has already been signed for 5 years between the CBN, KNSG and the Consultant (the implementation Agency) for the take up of the programme at Kano Entrepreneurship institute. The programme has already commenced with training of l500 youth by the consultant at the annex site Murtala Muhd. Library.
The department is saddles with responsibilities of social intervention net of the Federal Government GEEP.
3. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Commerce is one of the four specialized departments in the Ministry. Drawn from the mandate and key functions of the Ministry, the Commerce Department engages in facilitation of the State’s socio-economic growth and development through the promotion of commercial activities by supporting private sector initiative and investment proposal regarding PPP. It provides ancillary services to compliment national effort as well as synergizing with other governmental and non-governmental agencies for the development of Commercial undertakings.
THE STRUCTURE
Broadly speaking, commerce department is divided into three sections. Namely, Internal Trade, External trade and Business support services.
· INTERNAL TRADE
This section is responsible for market development and promotion, Commercial development and promotion, Processing of application for establishing standard Petroleum Filling station and participation in trade Fairs.
· EXTERNAL TRADE
The section is responsible for external trade development and promotion as well as participation at foreign trade Mission. Through the section, the Ministry implements program related to poverty alleviation and empowerment as well as Donor Agency intervention project(s)
· BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
Under the Business support service, Registration of Business Premises is conducted. Also, the section is responsible for business enlightenment that incorporate radio, Television and local government seminar series
CURRENT ISSUES
MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION
The department is treating the following proposals:
· Development of China Town
· Construction of Kwankwaso Market
· Relocation of `Yan lemo and `Yan kaba Markets
· Establishment of Investment Promotion Unit/Agency being facilitated by GEMs3
The department has projects under Public –Private –Partnership (PPP), they are:-
· Kanawa Economic city project
· Kano fish Market project
Projects under the facilitation of the department
· Ado Bayero Shopping Mall
· African Ground Nut Council (AGC)
· Kano- Katsina- Maradi K2 M Project
· Kano- Niger Economic Summit
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
The Department was able to implement poverty reduction program aimed a empowering youth to be self-reliant. In this respect, during the period under review, a total of 2,060 youth benefited as follows:
TRAINING PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITAD NIG LIMITED
Through this program, 1,000 youth had benefited. They were trained in GSM Repairs with a view to boosting their technical efficiency. Each Trainee received empowerment package inform of Rework Stations Screw Driver and a cash of N10,000.000
TRAINING FOR INFORMAL BUSINESS OPERATORS
A training program targeting Informal Sector was conducted for 967 businessmen and women with a view to formalizing their businesses in line with global trends. The training session has helped in achieving the objectives which was aimed at providing entrepreneurial skills that develop competencies, know-how, experience, attitudes, resources, and network required to pursue different opportunities hidden in the formal business environment. Hence, the training is a golden key to every successful businessman.
SECOND TRAINING PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITAD NIG LIMITED
The success recorded in the implementation of the first program has triggered the need for the second training. A total number of 530 youth benefited for this training. Each trainee was empowered with Rework Stations Multi- purpose
Cross Border Trade. It is meant to facilitate the conclusion of Kano-Niger Economic Summit and other relevant cross border trade for improved economic activities in the state.
The commercial horizon of the existing markets has continued to expand beyond their capacities. So, there is need for decongestion some of the markets by way of developing new ones in the State. The Government should aim at achieving the following:
1. Unobstructed traffic circulation pattern and effective parking control with adequate parking facilities in our markets.
2. Maximum possibility of interaction among market users and efficient goods handling;
3. Provision of security and full utilization of infrastructural facilities supported by pleasant, attractive and comfortable environment;
4. Instituting Fire preventive mechanism in all the markets for security, safety and protection of properties.
TRADE DISPUTE
Kofar Wambai Market All traders Association of Nigeria
During period under report the Department has witnessed various trade disputes emanated from market leadership. The Ministry was able to resolve all but one; (Kofar Wambai Market All traders Association of Nigeria) which appeared to have a tussle with other market Associations in the same market at the same time having problem with the Local Government. The dispute between Kofar Wambai Market All Traders Association of Nigeria and the Local Government was so tense to the extent that a decision was taken at the office of the Assistant Inspector –General of Police to prescribe the activities of the Association by the Local Government. This was done and all stakeholders were duly informed of the action taken by the Local Government.
CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER NEW GSM MARKET AT FARM CENTRE
His Excellency had declared opened the new GSM Market at Farm Centre with over 100 stalls. This, together with the old market would have enough lock-up shops and stalls to accommodate members of the GSM Association at Farm Centre. What remains is allocation of the shop to prospective allottees.
ORGANIZATIONS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT
WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH ORGANIZED PRIVATE SECTOR
The department has established a good working relationship with Kano Chamberof Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA); AMATA, Kano State Traders Union, (KASTU) and a host of other Trade Associations.
4. INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT
The Department of Industry is designed to take the responsibility of coordination, promotion and control of industrial activities in the state with a view to enhance production and increase the level of employment in the state.
The Department has three (3) main divisions viz;
1. Industrial promotion; This division is responsible for the promoting of both Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the State
2. Industrial inspectorate and Solid Minerals division. This is responsible for the promotion of Rural Industrialization and Solid Minerals development sector of the economy
3. Small Scale Industrial Credit division. This division is responsible for sourcing and management of all soft loan for entrepreneurs within the State. This section has been dormant for the last 11 years that lead to the development of a collaborative arrangements between the Kano State Government and the Bank of Industry.
PROJECTS FACILITATED BY THE DEPARTMENT
1. Business support center,The centre is located at Sharada Small Scale Industrial Estate; The establishment of the center is in collaboration with SMEDAN. The construction work of the Center has been completed by Kano State Government and provided other facilities like Security Guards Messenger/Cleaner. SMEDAN on the other hand provided the required equipments like furniture, computers and other office facilities. What remains now is signing of MoU between Kano State Government and SMEDAN. For about 10 months now the Ministry is waiting for SMEDAN to get ready for the signing, after which the Center will be commission by His Excellency. The center is expected to serve as data bank to MSME’s training of SME operators and source of information on finance and markets for SME’s
2. Common Facility Center; The Center is located at Sharada Small Scale Industrial Estate Kano, and mainly is for the leather goods processors. The project was under a collaboration between Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, NEPC, UNIDO and KNSG which each stakeholder has a specific role as follows:-
i. Fed. Min. of Investment & Trade - Supply and installation of 500 KVA Generator set
ii. NEPC - To do Construction.
iii. UNIDO – To supply machines
iv. KNSG – To provide the land
With the inability of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments as well as NEPC, the Kano State Government paid all the cost of constructing the Center, supplied 250 KVA generator and capacity building to the operators. The UNIDO supplied 70% of the machines and RMRDC assisted with industrial funds for capacity building training.
3. Rice Milling Cluster; The project is located at Kura town in Kura LGA. The first phase of the project has been completed which includes, wall fencing and the construction of gate house while the second phase of the project is being halted due to lack of Budget provision in the previous years. There is a proposed collaboration with UNIDO, the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment in the development of the project.
4. Vitamin A. fortification plant; The plant is located at Kwanar Dawaki Small scale Industrial cluster and it is a collaboration between the Global Alliance for Improved nutrition (GAIN) through their coordinating partner NAFDAC, the KNSG and the association of small scale processors of edible oil and grains. The construction work has reached an advance stage while installation of machines and equipment is in progress. The project is currently at a standstill due to change of policy by the Government on the site from cluster to medical university.
5. OLOP; The One Local Government One Product is a program designed by the Japanese international Corporation Agency (JICA) to develop and promote one product in every local government area of the state. The project is under the supervision of His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Kano State.
6. Kwanar Dawaki Small Scale Industrial Estate; The small scale industrial cluster at K/Dawaki was established to promote the expansion and development of small scale industries in the State. A total of 241 small scale industrial plots were demarcated and allocated to entrepreneurs on various trade who are either willing to expand or set up new businesses. Development on all the plots has reached an advance stages with 70% completion but development has been suspended in 2011. And the case is being handled by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
7. Bank of Industry; The scheme is between Kano State Government and Bank of Industry. It was designed to provide a matching fund of N2 Billion. The project aimed to provide support and finance to the existing micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in the state with a soft loan.
8. Sharada Small Scale Industrial Estate; The project entails the rehabilitation of drainage and culverts in the estate aimed to enhance the operation of small scale operators at the estate. The first phase of the project entails the construction of culverts, and drainages and the upgrading of entire road network within the estate while the second phase of the project is anticipated in – 2015 Budget.
9. Industrial Survey; The aim of the survey is to find out the total number of industrial establishments in the State with a view to have statistics on those that are operating, those that have closed down, relocated or winded off and the reason behind the Fortune. The major challenges affecting the industries are:-
i. Epileptic power supply
ii. Smuggling of counterfeit and substandard goods
iii. High cost of raw materials
iv. Law financial widows
v. High interest rate by leading institute
vi. Inadequate technical and managerial skills
5. DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE
Cooperative Associations have been acclaimed universally as vehicles for the promotion of social and economic development in both rural and urban areas. It is in recognition of this important role that the Department of Cooperatives is vested with the responsibility of formulating policies and programmes aimed at result oriented cooperatives societies development in the State. The department is also responsible for the registration, regulation and administration of cooperative societies as stipulated by Nigerian Cooperative Act No. 90 of 1993 and State Cooperative Laws of 1991.
The Department has nine sections which comprises of the followings:-
1. Cooperative Staff Development Section
2. Registration Section
3. Audit and Account Section
4. Cooperative Field Services
5. Cooperative Member Education Section
6. Cooperative Informal Sector Section
7. Research and Statistics Section
8. Kano Cooperative Consumer Section
9. Kano Cooperative Financing Agency
FUNCTIONS OF COOPERATIVE DEPARTMENT
a. Implementation of Government policies on cooperative activities in Kano State.
b. Advice Government on the formation of policies affecting cooperative development in the State.
c. Formation and registration of all types of Cooperative Societies.
d. Supervision, Inspections and Auditing of Cooperative Societies.
e. Conducting of enlightenment programme on cooperative through seminars workshop and short training.
f. Guiding cooperative societies to mobilize owned and borrowed capital to invest in productive activities.
g. Promoting artisan cooperatives societies to the standard level and disbursing artisan loan to artisan societies upon the availability of the funds.
CODAS
Cooperative Data Analysis System (CODAS) was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2013 in response to the recommendations of the international Labour Organization and International Cooperative Alliance.
The main objective of the programme is to fish out and discourage such institutions have over the years collected in - correct data on their client (farmers) which yield that no result. Also farmers registration are hardly to be verified to allow effective administration of Agricultural services.
However this programmes provides opportunity to collect reliable verifiable and harmonized data or information on targeted farmers to whom the delivery of services under the on-going Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is concentrated. Presently focus is on value chain of which crops such as Rice Sorghum, Maize, Tomatoes, Poultry and Fisheries are considered in the North West Zone.
Due to the important of this Cooperative Data Analysis System Programme State Government have been releasing funds every year for the sensitization of Cooperative/Agricultural extension workers and the Cooperative farmers in the state right from the grassroots that is primary Cooperative Societies at ward levels to Cooperative Unions at Local Government as well as State Cooperative APCT (Kano Cooperative Federation).
In addition to the above Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have been assisting farmers with farm implements, seeds, fertilizer etc at subsidize price of which Federal an State shoulder 25% subsidy each while the farmer will only pay 50% of any of implements needed.
6. DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Department of Tourism is most pleased to report that tremendous progress in its line of operation has been recorded since the inception of the present leadership of His Excellency Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OfR.
The Department is headed by Director and has total number of 8 staff, which is adequate, the Director oversees all the function assisted by a Tourism Officer I and however, due to lack of adequate personnel, the Director oversees all the functions assisted by a Tourism Officer I, there is need for posting of Deputy Director and Assistant Director from the Tourism Board to fill the vacancy.
POLICY
The main thrust of the State Governments tourism Policy in to generate foreign exchange, encourage even development through a well-planned sustainable conservation and preservation of the environment, promote Tourism based enterprises at macro and micro levels, generate employment and accelerate rural urban integration and cultural exchange.
STRUCTURE
The Department is structured into 3 units namely;
i. Research and Documentation
ii. Marketing and Promotion
iii. Corporate Affairs
FUNCTION OF DEPARTMENT
i. Promulgation of policies and program for the Development of Tourism in the State.
ii. Liaison with State and Federal Government stakeholders, as well as International organization on issues relating to Tourism and
Hospitability Development.
iii. Marketing and promotion of the State rich touristic endowment.
iv. Promotion through press and public relations to safeguard and protect the State on matters relating to Hospitability and Tourism.
v. Supervision and coordination of activities of the State Tourism Board and other related organizations.
vi. Organizing and participating in fairs and exhibitions to promote the State’s Tourism Industry.
vii. And carry out any other function that may be assigned to the department.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING.
The department had conceptualized and developed the first B2B business environment where business men will intersect and buy and sell through website, communication between members the entire environment will be done through CUG.