The Artisan’s Voice: Strengthening AMATA and the Informal Sector
By Mohammed Babagana Abubakar
Email: aunodigitalabuba@gmail.com
The “Kano First” agenda of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is built on a simple but profound truth: the strength of Kano lies in its markets. From the bustling alleys of Kurmi to the modern stalls of Kantin Kwari, the traders, artisans, and small business owners are the engine of our state’s economy. For this engine to roar, the government must not only lead but also listen.
Acting as the primary ear and voice for this sector is Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs. Through his historic engagement with the Nigerian Amalgamated Traders and Artisans Welfare Development Association (AMATA), he has proven that the “Kano First” vision is an economic shield for the common man, earning him the title of the Limamin Kano First.
In February 2026, a landmark solidarity visit by AMATA to the Ministry of Information signaled a new era of cooperation. Comrade Waiya did not treat the artisans as mere spectators of governance; he welcomed them as partners. By facilitating this dialogue, he ensured that the challenges facing local traders ranging from market infrastructure to access to credit are placed directly on the Governor’s desk.
The informal sector is often the most vulnerable to economic shifts. As the Limamin Kano First, Comrade Waiya has advocated for policies that protect local businesses. Whether it is communicating the benefits of the Kano Metropolitan Rail for transporting goods or explaining how the “Safe Nigeria” initiative keeps our markets secure from crime, he translates high-level policy into “market-level” benefits.
He understands that when an artisan succeeds, a family is fed, a child is sent to school, and the “Kano First” agenda moves one step closer to its 2027 goals.
By bridging the gap between the Audu Bako Secretariat and the Amalgamated Traders, Comrade Waiya has neutralized the potential for friction. He has turned a once-overlooked demographic into a loyal pillar of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration. His ability to organize these diverse trade groups into a unified support base is a testament to his strategic brilliance and his deep-rooted empathy for the working class.
A “Limami” is a leader who stands with his congregation. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya has shown that his congregation includes the blacksmith, the tailor, the carpenter, and the trader. By strengthening AMATA and giving a voice to the voiceless artisan, he is ensuring that the “Kano First” agenda is truly inclusive.
Under his coordination, the Ministry of Information has become a sanctuary for the common man’s aspirations. With Waiya at the helm, the artisans of Kano know they have a brother, a leader, and a champion in the halls of power.
