By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has appealed to the European Union to strengthen its partnership with the state in key sectors, including education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, climate action and economic development.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, made the appeal on Monday while representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf during the presentation of Kano State’s Urban Development Strategy to ambassadors and representatives of European Union member states in Kano.
Garo described Kano as one of Africa’s oldest and fastest-growing commercial centres, stressing that strategic partnerships with international development agencies were critical to addressing the challenges associated with rapid urbanisation.
According to him, the state government is seeking increased EU support in education and skills development through investments in educational infrastructure, teacher training, vocational education and digital learning initiatives.
“Kano State seeks stronger collaboration in education and human capital development. We need support for educational infrastructure, teacher training, vocational education and digital learning initiatives that will equip our young people with the skills required in a modern economy,” he said.
The deputy governor also called for scholarship opportunities and exchange programmes for students and professionals to strengthen capacity development in the state.
Speaking on economic development, Garo urged the EU to support entrepreneurship and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment and stimulating economic growth.
“We are looking forward to partnerships that will support small and medium-scale enterprises, entrepreneurship development programmes and innovation hubs capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities for our teeming youth population,” he said.
He further appealed for technical support in the review and validation of the state’s draft Public-Private Partnership policy to align it with Kano’s economic realities and development priorities.
In the agricultural sector, Garo called for collaboration in the deployment of modern farming technologies, irrigation systems, value-chain development and livestock production.
“Our administration seeks support for modern agricultural technologies, irrigation systems, value-chain development and climate-smart agricultural practices that will enhance food security, increase productivity and strengthen resilience against environmental challenges,” he stated.
The deputy governor also sought support for strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly maternal and child health services, disease prevention programmes and access to essential medical resources.
On climate change and environmental sustainability, he appealed for assistance in tackling desertification, environmental degradation and promoting renewable energy initiatives.
“We need support to address desertification, environmental degradation, renewable energy development and climate adaptation initiatives that will protect vulnerable communities and promote sustainable growth,” Garo said.
He added that partnerships in sustainable infrastructure, clean energy and digital connectivity would accelerate economic development and improve public service delivery across the state.
The deputy governor also presented Kano State’s Urban Development Strategy, describing it as a comprehensive framework designed to promote sustainable urban growth, climate resilience, improved infrastructure and better living standards for residents.
He expressed confidence that deeper cooperation between Kano State and the European Union would promote shared prosperity and sustainable development.
“We consider the European Union a strategic partner in our development efforts. Stronger collaboration will advance our shared goals of peace, progress, economic growth and human dignity,” he added.
Earlier, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, commended the Kano State Government for the warm reception accorded to the delegation.
Mignot said the delegation, comprising ambassadors and representatives of eight EU member states, selected Kano for its annual diplomatic visit because of the state’s strategic importance to Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
“Kano is a major development hub in Northern Nigeria and an important centre for trade, investment and economic activities. This informed our decision to visit the state and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation,” he said.
The ambassador noted that the European Union remained Nigeria’s largest trading partner and the leading destination for the country’s non-oil exports.
According to him, EU countries account for about one-third of foreign direct investment in Nigeria, while also supporting programmes focused on job creation, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, sustainable development and infrastructure growth.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the European Union to strengthening its partnership with Kano State and supporting initiatives that promote economic growth and sustainable development.