Kano Seeks Stronger EU Partnership to Boost Agriculture, Jobs, and Economic Growth

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to deepen collaboration with international development partners to transform agriculture and accelerate economic growth in the state.

The governor made this known on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the European Union, including officials of the EU-VACE Agriculture Value Chain Facility and the Transformative Agriculture Systems for Rural Economic Development (BMZ), at the Government House in Kano.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, Yusuf described the visit as timely and aligned with his administration’s ongoing agricultural reforms aimed at enhancing food security and rural development.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Sulaiman Wali Sani, the governor said his government is repositioning agriculture as a central pillar of development.

He pointed to the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic move to unlock the sector’s full potential.

He outlined key initiatives already underway, including the introduction of artificial insemination services, deployment of modern farming equipment, and targeted support for farmers to improve productivity across the value chain.

Governor Yusuf also stressed that animal health remains a priority, with sustained efforts to prevent and control livestock diseases while safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.

“The livestock sector holds vast opportunities for job creation, youth and women empowerment, and poverty reduction,” he said, adding that his administration is focused on creating an enabling environment for investment, expanding market access, and attracting agribusiness opportunities.

Welcoming the EU’s intervention, the governor expressed confidence that the partnership would bring technical expertise, drive innovation, and strengthen market linkages for farmers and agribusinesses across the state.

Earlier, the European Union Representative to Nigeria, Hugh Briggs, said the EU values its longstanding relationship with Kano, citing its strategic importance in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

“Our support is focused on promoting climate-smart agriculture, encouraging investment, strengthening food security, and fostering innovation to boost productivity,” Briggs said.

He added that the EU is working closely with Nigeria to tackle challenges such as climate change and inadequate investment, while empowering farmers, women, and youth along agricultural value chains.

Also speaking, Andrea Ruedigar of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit disclosed that Germany currently runs over 30 development projects in Nigeria, with five active in Kano State.

She noted that these projects focus on key value chains such as dairy, tomatoes, ginger, and cocoa, while promoting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.

“The programme is designed to tackle low productivity, post-harvest losses, and limited agribusiness investment, while creating jobs for women and youth,” she said.

Ruedigar reaffirmed the commitment of both GIZ and the EU to sustained collaboration with the Kano State Government to ensure successful implementation and improved rural livelihoods.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Aliyu Isah Aliyu, described partnerships with development agencies as critical to boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening the livestock sector in the state.