Kano Emerges Nigeria’s Most Investment-Ready State as Gov Abba Bags BusinessDay Governor of the Year Award
By Aminu Garba
Kano State has been named Nigeria’s Most Competitive and Investment-Ready State, a recognition that underscores the state’s growing appeal to investors following reforms aimed at improving the business environment, strengthening governance and driving economic growth.
The recognition came on Thursday at the 14th BusinessDay Annual CEO Forum held at the Eko Hotel, Lagos, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was also honoured with the BusinessDay 2026 Governor of the Year Award under the States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA).
Presenting the awards, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of BusinessDay, Mr Frank Aigbogun, said Kano distinguished itself through governance reforms, infrastructure development and policies that have significantly enhanced the state’s competitiveness and investment climate.
According to him, the Yusuf administration has implemented reforms that strengthened the business environment, encouraged private sector participation and positioned Kano as a preferred destination for investment.
Aigbogun said Governor Yusuf was consequently named BusinessDay Governor of the Year 2026 in recognition of his administration’s commitment to economic transformation and sustainable development.
The Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, received the award on behalf of Governor Yusuf.
Speaking after the presentation, Garo said the governor described the honour as a recognition of the collective efforts of the Kano State Government in delivering people-centred governance and implementing reforms that have repositioned the state for sustainable growth.
“This recognition belongs to the good people of Kano State. It reflects our collective commitment to building a competitive economy through transparent leadership, strategic reforms and investment-friendly policies,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to deepening reforms, accelerating infrastructure development, supporting businesses, attracting more domestic and foreign investments, and creating jobs for the state’s growing population.
According to him, the government will continue to pursue policies that improve the ease of doing business, diversify the state’s economy and consolidate Kano’s position as Nigeria’s commercial and industrial hub.
Pulse Time Nigeria correspondent reports that,the BusinessDay Governor of the Year Award is one of Nigeria’s leading recognitions for public sector leadership, celebrating governors whose policies have significantly advanced governance, economic competitiveness and sustainable development.