Nigeria News Today: Ganduje Family Embroiled in Kano Dry Port Scandal
A Premium Times investigation has revealed that former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje allegedly diverted the state government’s 20% equity stake in the multi-billion-naira Dala Inland Dry Port to his children, while awarding an infrastructure contract worth over N4 billion to a company linked to family associates.
Diverted Shares and Family Appointments
Documents obtained show that Ganduje’s children were made directors and shareholders of the dry port in 2020 after Kano’s equity was quietly stripped. The restructuring effectively edged Kano State out of ownership and positioned the Ganduje family as beneficiaries of the project.
Shortly after, Ganduje’s administration awarded a contract initially valued at N2.3 billion — later reviewed to over N4 billion — for road, power, and water infrastructure at the site. The contract went to FRI Construction Company Limited, reportedly linked to Ganduje’s longtime associate, Abubakar Bawuro.
How Kano First Acquired the Dry Port Stake
Kano State originally bought a 20% stake in 2006 under Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, committing to provide key infrastructure at the Zawachiki site in Kumbotso LGA. But successive administrations — Shekarau and later Rabiu Kwankwaso — failed to fulfill these obligations.
By 2019, with little progress at the site, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) threatened to terminate the concession. To revive the project, ownership was restructured, and by 2020, Ganduje’s children and proxies emerged as majority shareholders.
Controversial Transfers and Contracts
Company filings confirm that in March 2020, Ganduje’s sons — Abdulaziz, Umar, and Muhammad — were each allotted five million shares (20% each), alongside Bawuro and original founder Ahmad Rabiu. This new arrangement removed Kano State from co-ownership.
FRI Construction, the firm awarded the infrastructure contract, reportedly operates from a building linked to Bawuro. Insiders claim the company is controlled by him, though not formally listed in Corporate Affairs Commission records.
Kano Government Rejects Ownership Change
The current Kano administration under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has rejected the legitimacy of the transfers. Officials insist that official state records still reflect Kano as a shareholder and no due process was followed to divest the equity.
“At no time did the state indicate interest in divesting its shares in the dry port. Instead, we are seeking to increase our stake,” said Bashir Uba, Director of Investment at the Ministry of Commerce. He confirmed an investigation is underway.
Aftermath and Reactions
The dry port, inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023, has since become fully operational. However, questions remain over ownership, legality of the transfers, and how billions in public contracts were awarded under questionable circumstances.
Both Ganduje and Bawuro declined to respond to inquiries from reporters. The scandal adds to the list of corruption allegations trailing the ex-governor, who resigned earlier this year as APC National Chairman amid mounting pressure.
Stay with The Bureau News for continued coverage of this investigation, corruption cases, and other updates on Nigeria News Today.
