Kano State Government, on Friday said the State is ready to lead Nigeria’s transition from an import-dependent economy to a production-driven, export-oriented industrial powerhouse.

This is even as the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu moves announced the unveiling of the Northwest Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) in the State, next week.

The State Commissioner for Information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, said With the support of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and all stakeholders, Energise Commercialisation Now will unlock the innovative potential of our people and create lasting prosperity.

The Government, had launched a flagship programme titled “Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN).” This initiative, according to the Kano Commissioner for Information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, is designed to mobilise innovation, attract investment, and accelerate industrial production across the six geo-political zones.

Speaking while unveiling the program in Kano, Waiya, hints that the State is honoured to host the National Launch and the North-West Zonal Deployment of this historic programme, under the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour and official launcher of the initiative.

He said, the National Launch and North-West Zonal Event will take place over three days, from 23rd to 25th April 2026, in Kano State, with Political Leadership & National Mobilisation and on day two, Innovation Discovery, Exhibition and Evaluation

On day three, there will be Investment & Commercialisation (Deal Rooms) the event will bring together Federal and State Governments, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, State Governors and First Ladies of the North-West, Research institutions, universities, polytechnics, Innovators, inventors, startups, private sector investors, manufacturers, and industry associations, development finance institutions, International partners, traditional rulers and community stakeholders.

The Commissioner, explained that the strategic importance of Kano and the Northwest, is because Kano as its commercial and industrial nerve centre, is richly endowed with agricultural resources, textile potential, solid minerals, and a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. However, many research outputs and innovations from our universities and polytechnics remain uncommercialized.

“ECoN provides a structured pipeline to: Identify commercially viable innovations connect innovators with investors and manufacturers, provide IP advisory, standards certification, and quality assurance support, facilitate access to commercialisation finance.

“For Kano State, this initiative aligns perfectly with our administration’s focus on job creation, wealth generation, local content promotion, and export-led industrialisation.”