EU Delegation Concludes High-Level Diplomatic Mission To Kano State For Sustainable Growth
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A high-level delegation of European Union Member States Heads of Missions and international development partners has concluded a multi-day diplomatic mission to Kano State aimed at driving sustainable growth, education, and economic resilience across Northern Nigeria.
This was contained in a press statement issued by Susan Akila, Communication Specialist UNICEF Nigeria and made available to journalists.
Led by Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the delegation included representatives from UNICEF, the German Government’s GIZ, Plan International Nigeria, and UN-Habitat.
During the visit, the delegation held high-level talks with the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The discussions focused heavily on youth opportunities, social inclusion, and urban expansion.
Deputy Governor Garo reiterated the administration’s commitment to fostering a transparent, accountable environment designed to attract responsible international investments.
As part of the bilateral engagements, the Kano State Government unveiled its new Urban Development Strategy. Formulated with technical assistance from UN-Habitat, the strategy outlines a blueprint to guide sustainable metropolitan growth, improve infrastructure, foster regional peace, and unlock fresh economic avenues.
“This visit underscores the European Union’s commitment to being visibly present and engaged in Northern Nigeria,”
“By connecting directly with communities, young people, and local institutions, we are strengthening partnerships that support inclusive growth, stability, and opportunity for all” Ambassador Mignot said.
The delegation also assessed various ongoing partner-led projects in the state.
These included an accelerated education initiative managed by Plan International and a UNICEF-supported Qur’anic education centre dedicated to child protection.
Dr. Charles Usie, Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, emphasized that quality education requires sustained funding, especially for young girls facing systemic barriers.
UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed added that keeping children at the center of health and education investments is vital for safeguarding the future of the region’s most vulnerable populations.Economic empowerment and public health were also central themes of the mission.
The delegation toured a manufacturing facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food to combat childhood malnutrition, and engaged with the local Kannywood film industry to discuss the power of storytelling in driving social change.
Additionally, the diplomatic team held an interactive session with students at Bayero University Kano to promote youth civic participation.
Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the economic focus of the trip, noting that investing in women and young entrepreneurs through targeted skill development remains the key to building resilient local economies.
The multi-day engagement concluded with the delegation participating in the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty.
The forum wrapped up with a joint commitment from the EU and its partners to expand economic opportunities for women and youth while strengthening local institutional systems.
