EU delegation strengthens Northern Nigeria partnership through strategic nission to Kano
Kola Oyelere Kano
A high-level delegation of European Union (EU) Member States Heads of Mission and their deputies has concluded a strategic visibility and public diplomacy mission to Kano State, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to deepening engagement with communities, youth, government institutions and development partners across Northern Nigeria.
The delegation, led by the EU 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 multi-day visit, the delegation held discussions with the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The meeting focused on urban development, youth empowerment, social inclusion and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
Speaking during the engagement, the deputy governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and collaboration.
“Under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State remains committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages responsible investment, promotes transparency and accountability and fosters collaboration with international partners to achieve shared development goals,” he said.
The Kano State Government also presented its Urban Development Strategy, designed to guide sustainable urban growth, improve resilience, strengthen infrastructure planning, promote social cohesion and peace, and unlock economic opportunities within the metropolitan area.
The initiative is being developed with technical support from UN-Habitat.
Reflecting on the mission, Ambassador Mignot said the visit demonstrated the EU’s commitment to maintaining a visible and active presence in Northern Nigeria.
“This visit underlines 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,” he stated.
The delegation also visited Bayero University Kano, where members engaged students in discussions on youth participation, innovation and locally driven solutions to development challenges. The interaction highlighted the importance of involving young people in shaping policies and programmes that affect their future.
Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, stressed the importance of investing in women and young entrepreneurs to build resilient communities and strengthen local economies.
On education, Plan International Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Charles Usie, called for stronger partnerships and sustained investment to ensure access to quality education, especially for girls and vulnerable children facing barriers to learning.
Programme visits took the delegation to several EU-supported and partner-led initiatives, including an accelerated education programme implemented by Plan International and a Qur’anic education centre supported by UNICEF.
The projects aim to promote inclusive learning opportunities and strengthen child protection mechanisms.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, emphasized the need to invest in children and young people through education, healthcare and protection services to secure a better future for the most vulnerable.
The delegation further visited a facility producing ready-to-use therapeutic food for malnourished children and toured media and creative industry platforms, including Kannywood, where discussions focused on the role of storytelling and media in driving social change and shaping public discourse.
The mission also featured participation in the Northwest Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty, where stakeholders examined strategies for tackling poverty and promoting inclusive development across the region.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment by the European Union and its partners to expand opportunities for women and young people, strengthen resilience and deepen collaboration with governments and communities across Northern Nigeria. :::