According to findings, the move effectively displaced Kano State from co-ownership of the strategic facility and positioned Ganduje’s children as shareholders and directors. The development preceded the state government’s award of contracts, initially valued at ₦2.3 billion but later reviewed to over ₦4 billion, to provide infrastructure at the dry port.
How Kano Got Involved in the Dry Port Project
In 2006, under the administration of Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Kano State acquired a 20 per cent stake in the Dala Inland Dry Port in line with federal policy encouraging state participation in port development. The state was required to provide infrastructure such as roads, electricity, fencing, and water in exchange for its equity stake.
However, successive administrations failed to fulfil the commitment. By 2019, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC)threatened to revoke the concession over non-performance.
Ganduje Family Steps In
Records show that in March 2020, Ganduje’s three children — Abdulaziz, Umar, and Muhammad — alongside his longtime associate, Abubakar Bawuro, were appointed directors and shareholders of the company. Each child reportedly received five million shares, amounting to 20 per cent each.
This restructuring edged Kano State out of ownership. Shortly after, the Ganduje-led government awarded contracts for infrastructure that the state was originally obligated to provide under its equity agreement.
New Ownership Structure
Later filings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) indicated that Ganduje’s children were quietly removed as shareholders, with Bawuro emerging as the dominant owner holding 80 per cent of the company, while businessman Ahmad Rabiu retained 20 per cent.
By September 2025, CAC records list Rabiu, Bawuro, Hassan Bello (former NSC Executive Secretary), and Adamu Aliyu-Sanda (company secretary) as directors.
Kano State Government’s Reaction
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has rejected the alleged divestment, insisting that the state never sold its 20 per cent stake. The Ministry of Commerce has launched an investigation, with officials maintaining that due process for divestment — including Executive Council approval and public bidding — was never followed.
Bashir Uba, Director of Investment at the Ministry of Commerce, stated: “The divestment process begins with public advertisements. At no time did Kano State announce interest in selling its shares. On the contrary, the state is exploring ways to increase its equity in the port.”
Contract Controversy
The contract for dry port infrastructure was awarded in July 2020 to FRI Construction Company Limited, a firm allegedly linked to Ganduje’s associate, Mr Bawuro. Insiders allege the company operated from a property owned by him.
Although the port was eventually commissioned in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Kano State, due to the transfer of its equity, no longer benefits as a co-owner.
Silence from Ganduje
Efforts to obtain comments from Abdullahi Ganduje, his children, and associates proved unsuccessful. Calls and messages to his former spokesperson also went unanswered.
