Stephen Enoch
For more than four decades, Yan Lemo Market has stood as one of Kano State’s most important hubs for fruit trading.
Located in the Naibawa area of Kano metropolis in Kumbotso Local Government Area (LGA), the market was established about 43 years ago under the administration of late Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi.
This happened long before the surrounding neighbourhoods developed into residential communities.
Today, it remains a major source of livelihood for thousands of traders, loaders, drivers, and young people who depend on the daily flow of fruits into the market.
Yan Lemo Market is widely known as one of the largest fruit markets in northern Nigeria.
Every day, trucks loaded with oranges, bananas, watermelons, pineapples, mangoes, and other fruits arrive from states such as Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Niger, and even neighbouring countries.
The market is estimated to accommodate several thousand traders, with hundreds of stalls, open trading spaces, and supporting activities such as transportation, food vending, and small-scale processing.
Beyond commerce, the market contributes significantly to government revenue through daily taxes, levies, and other payments.
However, recent information suggesting that the Kano State Government plans to relocate the market from its current location has thrown traders into deep uncertainty.
Fear of Relocation
Speaking in an interview with Stallion Times, the Chairman of Yan Lemo Market, Safiyanu Abdullahi, said traders were alarmed by reports from what he described as “reliable sources within government” indicating that plans were underway to move the market to another location.
According to him, the development has caused anxiety among traders who have spent decades building their businesses around the market.
“This news has made our people very sad because this market is our only source of livelihood,” he said.
He explained that some residents in the area believe the market has become a burden to them, a claim he strongly disputes.
“When this market was established, this area was not residential. People only started living around here about 20 after its establishment.
“As traders, we are not opposed to development or regulation.
“Instead, we are asking the government to improve conditions within the market so that both traders and residents can coexist peacefully.
“We want the government to provide better working conditions for us.
“If the market is fenced, security is improved, and the right facilities are provided, we will not be a burden to anyone,” he explained.
The Dispute Between Residents And The Market
The Secretary of the market, Adam Mohammed, shed more light on the tension that has existed between traders and residents of Yan Lemo in recent years.
He told this reporter that residents had protested saying heavy trucks bringing fruits into the market were damaging roads within the neighbourhood.
According to him, others complained about the smell from rotten fruits, especially during peak seasons.
“These complaints led to serious disagreement and at some point, the residents took the market management to court,” he revealed.
He explained that the situation could have escalated, but intervention from the market leadership and the local authorities helped to calm tensions.
“We reached an understanding with the residents, and peace returned.
“The market has always been willing to cooperate with authorities and surrounding communities to address genuine concerns,” Adam asserted.
Livelihoods at Stake
Beyond infrastructure concerns, traders argue that relocating the market could have devastating consequences for thousands of families.
“This market keeps many young people off the streets. You can see young boys and girls here every day working honestly to earn a living.
“If Yan Lemo did not exist, many of these youths might be pushed into crime or other social vices due to lack of opportunities.
“Taking this market away from this location may not be suitable for them,” he warned.
The traders also explained that the design of the market itself contributes to some of the challenges being blamed on them.
According to Adam, fruit trading thrives better in open spaces rather than enclosed shops.
“There are many shops and buildings inside the market that traders are not using.
“Some people own shops but abandon them and prefer open spaces,” he revealed.
As a result Adam said traders often move closer to the roadside, obstructing traffic and creating congestion, an issue he admitted that needs urgent attention.
“We are not happy about trading by the roadside, we want a better business environment,” Adam said.
A Different Solution
Instead of relocation, the secretary proposed an alternative solution; restructuring the market.
“The best way to solve these problems is to demolish some of the unnecessary buildings and create more open spaces.
“If this is done, nobody will be disturbed by our activities,” Adam suggested .
He also outlined ambitious plans that could transform Yan Lemo into a modern agro-commercial hub if government support is provided.
Among traders requests are the establishment of fruit-juice processing plants, small factories, and cold rooms to preserve fruits and reduce waste.
“If these facilities are provided, the sky is our starting point,” Adam assured.
A Plea to Government
Despite their fears, the traders maintain confidence in the current Kano State Government.
Safiyanu Abdullahi a trader in the market said the government has been very good to the traders and he believes administration has their interest at heart.
According to him the market plays a social role by absorbing many unemployed youths, keeping them engaged in legitimate economic activity.
“We are begging the government not to relocate this market.
“If our recommendations are considered, we promise we will not be a burden to anyone,” he pleaded.
For the traders of Yan Lemo, the market is more than a trading space, it is history and traders’ survival, and hope.
As uncertainty looms, they wait anxiously for a decision that could reshape their lives forever.
