Kano Govt pledges greater investment in rural infrastructure, agriculture

The Kano State Government has called for stronger collaboration among development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to accelerate sustainable rural and community development across the state.

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, made the call on Tuesday while representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Kano State Rural and Sustainable Community Development Summit (RUSCODS 2026), held at the Coronation Hall in Kano.

Speaking at the summit, Garo said rural and community development remains at the heart of the present administration’s agenda to achieve inclusive economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability.

He noted that the prosperity of Kano State is closely tied to the productivity and enterprise of its rural communities, where agriculture, commerce and small-scale businesses continue to serve as the backbone of livelihoods and make significant contributions to the state’s economy.

According to him, the administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind, stressing that its development policies are guided by fairness, accountability, transparency and responsive leadership focused on improving the welfare of citizens.

The deputy governor, however, stressed that government alone cannot deliver sustainable development, insisting that meaningful progress requires collective action and stronger partnerships among all stakeholders.

“Despite the considerable progress recorded over the years, many rural communities continue to face challenges that require sustained attention and collective action,” he said.

Mr Garo identified inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and education, unemployment, climate-related challenges, food insecurity, as well as poor water supply and sanitation facilities, as some of the major obstacles slowing development in many rural communities.

He said addressing these challenges would require careful planning, prudent investment and stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, private sector organisations, civil society groups, academic institutions, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, and local communities.

The deputy governor highlighted several interventions being implemented by the state government to improve the living conditions of rural dwellers.

According to him, the administration is expanding rural infrastructure through the construction and rehabilitation of roads, improving access to potable water, extending rural electrification and opening up rural communities to greater economic opportunities.

He also said the government is strengthening primary healthcare services to ensure better access to essential medical care, particularly for women, children and other vulnerable groups.

In the education sector, Garo said investments are being made in school infrastructure, teacher capacity development and programmes aimed at increasing school enrolment as part of efforts to build a knowledgeable, productive and self-reliant population.

The deputy governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to agricultural development, describing agriculture as the backbone of Kano State’s rural economy.

He explained that ongoing interventions include the provision of agricultural extension services, expansion of irrigation schemes, improved access to quality farm inputs and programmes designed to strengthen agricultural value chains.

According to him, the initiatives are expected to boost food production, improve household incomes and create sustainable employment opportunities across the agricultural sector.

Mr Garo also underscored the importance of traditional and religious leaders in promoting peace, social cohesion and community participation in development programmes.

He described them as critical partners in mobilising grassroots support for government policies and ensuring the sustainability of development initiatives.

The deputy governor commended the organisers of the Rural and Sustainable Community Development Summit for providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and partnership building among key stakeholders.

He expressed confidence that recommendations from the summit would contribute significantly to rural transformation and inclusive development across Kano State.

Mr Garo reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to working closely with development partners and other stakeholders to build resilient, prosperous and sustainable rural communities where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.