A financial solutions firm has said over 60 percent of Kano’s population is excluded from formal financial services and investment advisory.
It said this while unveiling a N5 billion investment plan to deepen financial inclusion and create jobs in the region.
Speaking at the commissioning of the firm’s new ultra-modern regional office in Kano, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Anthony Edeh, described the city as a critical economic hub that no serious investor can afford to ignore.
“Kano is a historic city both economically and politically with a population of over 20 million people. With such a vibrant demographic, it is only wise to deepen our presence here,” he said. “We are committing to two key things: extensive financial inclusion and job creation.”
Edeh disclosed that Norrenberger had already employed 250 people in the Kano office across its various service lines, including insurance, pensions, and asset management.
He added the firm plans to engage over 1,500 people through its growing agri-business arm and financial services expansion.
He further revealed that the group had received federal government approval to cultivate 1,000 hectares of arable land in Kano, a move aimed at boosting food production and employment, particularly in rural communities.
“The value of our investment in Kano exceeds N5 billion. This iconic building is not just a symbol of our presence, but a statement of belief in the economic potential of Kano and the northern region as a whole,” he said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Norrenberger Asset Management, Mr. Pabina Yinkere, noted that only about 40 percent of Kano’s population currently has access to financial services or advisory leaving a significant portion of the population underserved.
“This region has long been neglected by mainstream financial institutions. Our entry into Kano is not just business-driven, it’s part of our social impact strategy to democratize finance and give every individual the tools to build sustainable wealth,” Yinkere said.
He added that Kano’s importance as a commercial, agricultural, and industrial hub makes it a prime location for inclusive economic transformation.
“You cannot claim to be a national player in Nigeria’s finance space and ignore Kano. It is one of the biggest markets in the country,” he said. “We are here to close that access gap with simplified, practical financial solutions that even the average person can understand and benefit from.”
Yinkere also disclosed that Norrenberger was ranked among Nigeria’s top 10 fund managers at the close of 2024, a performance he said will be leveraged to bring innovative products to the northern market.
