Kano govt seeks stronger EU support on urban development, education, agriculture

The Kano State Government has called for stronger collaboration with the European Union (EU) to accelerate urban development, economic growth, education, healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience and digital transformation across the state.

The appeal was made by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf during a presentation of the state’s Urban Development Strategy to European Union ambassadors and representatives of EU member states in Kano.

Addressing the delegation, Mr Garo described the engagement as an important platform to showcase Kano’s vision for sustainable urban development and deepen partnerships capable of driving transformational growth across the state.

He noted that Kano, one of Africa’s oldest commercial centres and among Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities, is confronted with both opportunities and challenges arising from rapid urbanisation.

According to him, increasing pressure on infrastructure, housing, transportation, sanitation, environmental management and job creation demands innovative and sustainable approaches to development.

To address these challenges, the deputy governor said the state government, working with development partners, had developed a comprehensive Urban Development Strategy aimed at guiding Kano’s growth in a coordinated, inclusive and sustainable manner.

He explained that the strategy focuses on modern urban planning, infrastructure development, climate resilience, economic competitiveness, digital innovation and improving the quality of life of residents.

“This strategy reflects our commitment to modern urban planning, improved infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, economic competitiveness, digital innovation and enhanced quality of life for all residents,” Garo stated.

He added that the framework aligns with Nigeria’s national development priorities, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and internationally recognised best practices in urban governance.

The deputy governor identified several key areas where the state seeks enhanced EU support, including education and skills development, youth empowerment, agriculture and food security, healthcare delivery, climate action, infrastructure expansion and digital transformation.

He specifically appealed for assistance in improving educational facilities, expanding vocational and technical training, promoting digital learning, supporting entrepreneurship programmes and modernising agricultural practices.

Other areas highlighted for collaboration include healthcare improvement, renewable energy development and climate adaptation initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s resilience to environmental challenges.

Mr Garo also sought the European Union’s support in reviewing and validating Kano State’s draft Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy, which he said would help strengthen investment opportunities and ensure the framework aligns with the state’s economic realities and development aspirations.

“We believe that stronger cooperation between the European Union and Kano State will contribute to shared prosperity, social stability and sustainable development while fostering stronger ties between our peoples,” he said.

The deputy governor further assured the EU delegation that the administration of Governor Yusuf remains committed to transparency, accountability and creating an enabling environment for responsible investments and productive engagement with international development partners.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, expressed optimism about the prospects for deeper cooperation between the EU and Kano State.

He noted that the state’s priority sectors correspond with areas of interest to the European Union and commended the government’s development agenda.

“All priority sectors are covered here in Kano. Having said that, to look at what has been achieved, and to look into the future opportunities of partnerships, we are very much interested in the priorities of the Governor,” Mignot said.

He further assured the state government of the EU’s readiness to support initiatives that would improve the welfare of Kano residents.

“More than anything, we are ready to support you to the benefit of the good people of Kano State,” he added.

The engagement forms part of the Kano State Government’s broader strategy to attract strategic investments, strengthen international partnerships and position the state as a leading centre for sustainable development, commerce and economic growth in Nigeria and the wider West African region.