A high-level delegation comprising Heads of Missions of European Union member states and their deputies has concluded a multi-day visit to Kano State aimed at strengthening partnerships, promoting public diplomacy and enhancing development cooperation across Northern Nigeria.
The delegation, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, included representatives of UNICEF, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Government, Plan International Nigeria, UN-Habitat and other development partners.
During the visit, the delegation held talks with the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Discussions centred on urban development, youth empowerment and social inclusion, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, transparency and collaboration with international partners.
The Kano State Government also unveiled its Urban Development Strategy, developed with technical support from UN-Habitat, to promote sustainable urban growth, strengthen infrastructure planning, foster peace and regional integration and unlock economic opportunities within the metropolitan area.
Speaking on the visit, Ambassador Mignot said the mission underscored the EU’s commitment to maintaining a visible presence in Northern Nigeria and building partnerships that support inclusive growth, stability and opportunities for communities. GIZ Country Director for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, stressed the importance of investing in women and young entrepreneurs to build resilient communities and stimulate local economies.
At Bayero University, Kano, members of the delegation interacted with students on youth participation and community-driven solutions. They also inspected several EU-supported initiatives, including an accelerated education programme implemented by Plan International and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF. The team further visited a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children and engaged stakeholders in the Kannywood industry on the role of storytelling in promoting social change.
The visit culminated with the delegation’s participation in the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, where the European Union and its partners renewed their commitment to expanding opportunities for women and young people and supporting inclusive and resilient systems tailored to local needs across Northern Nigeria.
