The Kano State Government has appealed to the European Union (EU) to deepen its partnership with the state in critical sectors including education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, climate action, and economic development as part of efforts to accelerate sustainable growth and improve the living conditions of millions of residents.
The appeal was made by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf during the presentation of Kano State’s Urban Development Strategy to ambassadors and representatives of European Union member states at the Government House in Kano.
Speaking during the engagement, the deputy governor described Kano as one of Africa’s oldest and fastest-growing commercial centres, stressing that stronger collaboration with international development partners remains essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with rapid urbanization.
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According to him, the state government is seeking increased EU support in education and human capital development through investments in educational infrastructure, teacher training, vocational and technical education, digital learning initiatives, and scholarship opportunities for students and professionals.
He noted that such interventions would help equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
Focus on Youth Employment and Economic Growth
Alhaji Garo also called for enhanced cooperation in economic development through investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship programmes, innovation hubs, and job creation initiatives targeted at addressing youth unemployment.
He explained that Kano, as a major commercial hub in Northern Nigeria, possesses enormous economic potential that can be unlocked through strategic investments and development partnerships.
According to him, support for entrepreneurship development and innovation-driven enterprises would stimulate economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of young people across the state.
The deputy governor further appealed to the European Union to support the review and validation of Kano State’s draft sub-national Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy to ensure that it aligns with local realities and development priorities.
Support Sought for Agriculture and Food Security
In the agricultural sector, the Kano State Government requested assistance in modernising farming practices through the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies, irrigation systems, livestock development programmes, value-chain enhancement initiatives, and capacity-building programmes for farmers.
Alhaji Garo emphasized the importance of climate-smart agriculture in improving productivity, strengthening food security, and enhancing resilience against environmental challenges.
He noted that agriculture remains one of the key pillars of Kano’s economy and requires sustained investment to meet the needs of a growing population.
Strengthening Healthcare Delivery
The deputy governor also appealed for EU support in strengthening healthcare services across the state.
He identified maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention, healthcare infrastructure, and access to essential medical resources as areas requiring strategic intervention.
According to him, stronger healthcare systems would significantly improve the quality of life of residents while enhancing the state’s capacity to respond to public health challenges.
Climate Action and Sustainable Infrastructure
On environmental sustainability, Alhaji Garo called for collaboration in tackling desertification, environmental degradation, renewable energy development, and climate adaptation programmes.
He stressed that vulnerable communities across Kano State continue to face environmental challenges that require coordinated local and international responses.
The deputy governor also highlighted the need for partnerships in sustainable infrastructure development, clean energy projects, digital connectivity, and smart urban planning as part of efforts to modernise public services and improve economic competitiveness.
Kano Presents Urban Development Strategy
During the meeting, the deputy governor formally presented Kano State’s Urban Development Strategy, describing it as a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable urban growth and economic transformation.
He said the strategy focuses on climate resilience, infrastructure development, improved living standards, economic competitiveness, and sustainable urban planning designed to accommodate the state’s rapidly expanding population.
Alhaji Garo expressed optimism that stronger cooperation between Kano State and the European Union would promote shared prosperity, social stability, and long-term development.
He urged the EU to consider Kano a strategic partner for future investments and development initiatives, noting that such collaboration would advance mutual goals of peace, progress, and human development.
EU Reaffirms Commitment to Partnership
Speaking earlier, Gautier Mignot, who led the delegation, expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to the visiting diplomats.
He explained that the delegation, comprising ambassadors and representatives from eight European Union member states, selected Kano for its annual diplomatic visit because of the state’s strategic importance as a major development and commercial hub in Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
According to Ambassador Mignot, the choice reflects the significance the European Union attaches to its relationship with Kano State and its interest in expanding cooperation in areas of development, trade, investment, and economic growth.
The ambassador highlighted the strong economic ties between Nigeria and the European Union, noting that the EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and the leading destination for the country’s non-oil exports.
He further stated that European countries account for approximately one-third of foreign direct investment in Nigeria, while also supporting programmes focused on job creation, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, and economic growth.
The engagement signals Kano State’s determination to leverage international partnerships to address development challenges and accelerate socio-economic transformation under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.