The Kano State Government has called for deeper collaboration with the European Union across critical sectors including urban infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, climate action, digital transformation and economic development as part of efforts to accelerate sustainable growth and improve the quality of life of residents.

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

Speaking while welcoming the delegation, Garo said the engagement provided an important opportunity for Kano State to showcase its long-term vision for sustainable urban development and explore strategic partnerships capable of driving economic transformation and inclusive growth.

According to the Deputy Governor, Kano occupies a unique position as one of Africa’s oldest commercial centres and one of the continent’s fastest-growing urban economies, making it both a hub of opportunity and a city facing the pressures associated with rapid urbanisation.

Garo explained that growing demand for infrastructure, housing, transportation systems, sanitation services, environmental management and economic opportunities has created an urgent need for innovative, coordinated and future-oriented development strategies.

He disclosed that the state government has developed a comprehensive Urban Development Strategy designed to guide Kano’s growth in a sustainable, organised and people-centred manner while addressing emerging urban challenges.

According to Garo, the strategy underscores the administration’s commitment to modern urban planning, improved infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, economic competitiveness, digital innovation and the overall enhancement of living standards for residents across the state.

The Deputy Governor further stated that the strategy is aligned with Nigeria’s national development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and internationally recognised best practices in urban governance and sustainable city management.

Garo appealed to the European Union to support Kano State in several priority areas, including education and skills acquisition, youth employment, agricultural development and food security, healthcare delivery, climate adaptation initiatives, renewable energy projects, infrastructure development and digital connectivity.

He also requested technical assistance from the European Union in reviewing and validating the state’s draft Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy, noting that such support would help strengthen investment opportunities and improve the ease of doing business in Kano.

“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,” Garo said while highlighting the potential benefits of enhanced collaboration.

The Deputy Governor assured the visiting delegation that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors through transparency, accountability and responsible governance practices.

Responding on behalf of the European Union delegation, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described Kano as a major development hub in Northern Nigeria and an important partner in the European Union’s broader cooperation framework with Nigeria.

Mignot said the decision to select Kano for the delegation’s annual mission reflected the strategic importance the European Union attaches to the state as a key centre for development interventions and economic engagement in Northern Nigeria.

“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,” the ambassador stated.

According to Mignot, the delegation comprised ambassadors and representatives from Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Austria and Finland, and the visit formed part of the European Union’s annual field mission aimed at deepening engagement with key regions across Nigeria.

The ambassador noted that the European Union and Nigeria recently agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations during the eighth EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing cooperation in multiple sectors.

Mignot explained that the EU-Nigeria partnership is anchored on common values such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, social inclusion and sustainable economic development, which continue to shape collaborative initiatives between both sides.

Expressing optimism about future engagements, the EU envoy said the visit demonstrated the depth of existing cooperation and highlighted the numerous opportunities available in Kano State for expanded partnership and investment.

“I believe this visit further demonstrates the depth of our cooperation and the many opportunities that Kano State offers for strengthening our partnership,” Mignot said.

Observers say the engagement is expected to open a new chapter in relations between Kano State and the European Union, with prospects for stronger collaboration in sustainable urban development, renewable energy, climate resilience, agriculture, healthcare, education, digital innovation and investment promotion.

The discussions also reinforce Kano State’s efforts to position itself as a leading destination for development partnerships and responsible investment while pursuing its vision of inclusive growth, modern infrastructure and long-term economic prosperity.This version follows a conventional newspaper structure with attribution throughout and expanded context suitable for publication.