The Kano State Government has appealed to the European Union (EU) for support in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, climate action and digital transformation.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, made the appeal on behalf of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf during the presentation of the state’s Urban Development Strategy to EU ambassadors and representatives of eight member countries on a visit to Kano.
Garo said Kano’s growing population had increased demand for infrastructure, housing, transportation, sanitation and economic opportunities.
“As one of Africa’s oldest and fastest-growing commercial hubs, Kano faces both the opportunities and challenges associated with rapid urbanisation,” he said.
According to him, the state has developed an Urban Development Strategy to guide growth and improve service delivery.
“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,” he said.
Garo also requested technical assistance from the EU for the review and validation of the state’s draft Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy.
“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.
In his response, the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described Kano as a key partner in EU-Nigeria relations.
“The fact that we selected Kano for this year’s mission reflects the importance we attach to the state as a key development hub for Northern Nigeria and a strategic partner in our cooperation with Nigeria,” Mignot said.
He said the visit was part of the EU’s annual field mission aimed at strengthening engagement with strategic regions across Nigeria.
“I believe this visit further demonstrates the depth of our cooperation and the many opportunities that Kano State offers for strengthening our partnership,” he added.
