The Kano State Government has appealed to the European Union for enhanced collaboration in education, economic development, agriculture, healthcare, climate action, and infrastructure as part of efforts to accelerate sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of millions of residents in the state
This is contained in a statement on Monday by the Public Relations Officer, Deputy Governor’s Office, Lurwanu Idris Malikawa, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the appeal was made on Monday by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf during the presentation of Kano State’s Urban Development Strategy to Ambassadors and representatives of European Union members in his Office
The governor represented by his deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, described Kano as one of Africa’s oldest and fastest-growing commercial centres, stressing that strategic partnerships with international development partners remain critical to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with rapid urbanisation.
The governor called for increased EU support in education and skills development through investments in educational infrastructure, teacher training, vocational education, and digital learning initiatives.
“The state seeks support for educational infrastructure, teacher training, vocational education, and digital learning initiatives as well as scholarship and exchange opportunities for students and professionals to strengthen human capital development,” the governor said.
He further appealed for collaboration in promoting economic growth and youth employment through investments in small and medium-scale enterprises, entrepreneurship development programmes, and innovation hubs capable of creating sustainable jobs for young people.
According to him, Kano requires support for entrepreneurship development programmes and innovation hubs that will create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across the state.
He further requested EU intervention in the review and validation of Kano State’s draft sub-national Public-Private Partnership policy to ensure it aligns with the state’s economic realities and development aspirations.
In the agricultural sector, Governor Yusuf sought support for modern agricultural technologies, irrigation systems, value-chain development, livestock development, and capacity-building programmes for farmers.
He noted that support for climate-smart agricultural practices would significantly improve food security, agricultural productivity, and resilience against environmental challenges.
The Kano State Government also appealed for assistance in strengthening healthcare systems, including “maternal and child health services, disease prevention programmes, and access to essential medical resources.”
On environmental sustainability, the governor called for support in addressing desertification, environmental degradation, renewable energy development, and climate adaptation initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable growth.
He further highlighted the need for partnerships that promote sustainable infrastructure, clean energy solutions, and digital connectivity to accelerate economic development and modernise public service.
Speaking earlier, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot who led the delegation expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to the delegation, describing the visit as an important demonstration of the EU’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the state.
Mignot noted that the delegation, comprising ambassadors and representatives from eight EU member states, selected Kano for its annual diplomatic visit this year because of the state’s strategic importance as a major development hub for Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
He said the choice of Kano emphasized the importance the EU attaches to its partnership with the state and its recognition of the opportunities available for deeper cooperation in development, investment, and economic growth.
According to him, the partnership is supported by significant investments, with EU countries contributing roughly one-third of foreign direct investment in Nigeria, alongside development interventions targeted at job creation, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, sustainable development, and infrastructure growth.
