EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot meets Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf during investment dialogue
The European Union has described Kano State as a critical platform for development in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, citing its vast potential in agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, and digital innovation.
During a high-level visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in Kano on Tuesday, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, commended the state’s entrepreneurial vibrancy and existing collaboration with the EU in various sectors.
“In Kano, there is already a strong history of EU-supported projects — from renewable energy in schools and health centres to digital innovation and support for smallholder farmers and local manufacturers,” Mignot stated.
He noted that these areas align with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which promotes infrastructure and investment partnerships with countries like Nigeria by leveraging funding from EU Member States, the European Investment Bank (EIB), development finance institutions, and the private sector.
Mignot said the EU’s strategy aims to expand its footprint in Nigeria’s Northwest and Northeast regions, targeting challenges through green and digital economic partnerships.
“Kano is not just a development hub for the Northwest but a gateway to the Sahel. We want to partner in energy, agriculture, trade, and digitalisation — especially in ways that create jobs for youth and women,” he added.
The visit, which included implementing partners such as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), also featured discussions on reviewing past and ongoing EU projects in the state.
Mignot highlighted the importance of listening to the state’s leadership to shape future interventions:
“We want to launch new projects but also hear directly from the Governor — the state’s needs, priorities, and ideas — to ensure effective collaboration.”
Responding, Governor Abba Yusuf expressed appreciation for the EU’s ongoing support and described Kano as the most populated and commercially active state in Nigeria, deserving increased international cooperation.
“Kano is honoured to be chosen for the broader celebration of Europe Month. We appreciate your projects, but we want more partnerships, especially in energy, digital innovation, and education,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s own investment in human capital, the governor revealed that Kano has sponsored 1,100 students for international studies, with 680 already returned as first-class graduates in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and engineering — all of whom have been offered automatic employment by the state.
He also commended the EU’s role in hosting the recent ‘Study Fair’ in Kano and expressed interest in securing additional scholarship placements for Kano students in European institutions.
“We are grateful for the EU’s contributions so far, but our ambitions are bigger. We will continue to engage you to secure more opportunities for our youth,” Yusuf said.
The EU delegation’s visit marks a renewed chapter in EU-Kano relations, with both parties expressing optimism about scaling up collaboration in alignment with local and national development goals.
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