By Mahmud Aminu Hanga
Yankaba Market in Kano State, known for its bustling trade in fruits and vegetables, has evolved into a significant agricultural hub since its establishment in the late 1980s. The market, which handles large volumes of perishables, particularly tomatoes, onions, and peppers, draws traders from across Nigeria and neighboring countries. With a weekly turnover of approximately ₦3 billion and over 12,000 vendors during peak seasons, Yankaba is a major contributor to Kano State’s agricultural economy.
Despite its economic significance, the market faces substantial challenges. Poor infrastructure, especially inadequate roads and storage facilities, exacerbates post-harvest losses, which can reach 30% for perishables like tomatoes and onions. Transport costs are high, particularly during the rainy season, adding strain on both traders and customers. Additionally, the lack of modern storage solutions and sustainable packaging exacerbates waste, impacting profit margins. These losses weaken Yankaba’s ability to capitalize on its agricultural potential, reducing its competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Associations such as the Fruit and Vegetable Traders Association manage the daily affairs of the market, but limited technological integration hampers operations. Digital payment systems remain underutilized, forcing traders to rely on cash transactions, which increase the risk of theft and inefficiency. This is a significant gap, given the shift toward digital economies in similar markets globally. For example, Addis Mercato in Ethiopia has successfully integrated digital payment platforms and logistics infrastructure, reducing transaction times and increasing transparency.
Yankaba’s current contribution to Kano State’s revenue is significant but could be exponentially higher with proper investment. As it stands, the market generates substantial tax revenues, but the inefficiencies in logistics and infrastructure limit its potential. We Opined, Revamping Yankaba through a Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) model could be the solution. An estimated ₦10-12 billion investment could modernize the market, including road improvements, the establishment of cold storage facilities, and the introduction of a digital payment system. These improvements would reduce post-harvest losses, lower transport costs, and attract more foreign buyers, further boosting turnover.
Moreover, sustainable packaging solutions for perishables could not only enhance the quality of produce but also appeal to international buyers, who demand high standards in packaging and storage. By adopting eco-friendly and durable packaging, Yankaba Market could reduce spoilage during transportation, thus maintaining the quality of goods for longer periods. Targeting foreign buyers, particularly in West Africa and the Middle East, who have shown interest in Nigeria’s agricultural produce, could significantly increase the market’s export potential.
Logistics, too, require a transformation. Efficient supply chains are crucial for the movement of goods within and outside the market. Introducing e-commerce platforms for the sale and distribution of produce would make the market more accessible to buyers across the globe, allowing for pre-orders, streamlined logistics, and better price stability. Partnerships with logistics companies could ensure the smooth transport of goods, both locally and internationally, while further reducing waste. By implementing these solutions, Yankaba could easily double its annual turnover to ₦150-200 billion, positioning itself as a model market in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Examples from other African markets highlight the benefits of such transformations. In Morocco’s wholesale markets, for instance, government-led infrastructure improvements and private-sector collaboration have led to increased efficiency, better packaging, and reduced waste, turning the country into a leader in agricultural exports. Adopting these best practices could yield similar results for Yankaba.
The long-term benefits of revamping Yankaba Market go beyond increased turnover. Improved infrastructure and logistics would create thousands of new jobs, from packaging and transport to digital services, further boosting Kano
State’s economy. Digitalizing the market end-to-end would also enhance tax transparency, allowing Kano State to better capture the market’s full tax potential, thereby increasing its contribution to state revenue.
In conclusion, Yankaba Market’s current structure, while economically significant, is fraught with inefficiencies that limit its potential. Modernizing the market through infrastructure upgrades, digital payment systems, sustainable packaging, and robust logistics would not only address its current challenges but also position it as a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural economy. With an estimated ₦10-12 billion investment, the market could attract foreign buyers, improve product quality, and significantly increase both turnover and tax revenue. By following the examples of similar markets in Africa, Yankaba can transform into a fully digitalized, efficient, and globally competitive marketplace.