By Our Correspondant
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international development agencies to accelerate agricultural transformation and economic growth.
The governor stated this on Wednesday while receiving a European Union (EU) delegation, including officials of the EU-VACE Agriculture Value Chain Facility and the Transformative Agriculture Systems for Rural Economic Development (BMZ), at the Government House, Kano.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mustapha Muhammad.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali Sani, the governor described the visit as timely, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts to revitalise agriculture and enhance food security in the state.
He said the administration is repositioning agriculture as a key driver of development, citing the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic move to unlock the sector’s potential.
Yusuf highlighted initiatives to modernise livestock production, including artificial insemination services, deployment of modern farming equipment, and support for farmers to boost productivity across the value chain.
He added that animal health remains a priority, with sustained efforts to prevent and control livestock diseases while safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.
According to him, the livestock sector holds vast potential for job creation, youth and women empowerment, and poverty reduction. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, expanding market access, and attracting agribusiness opportunities.
The governor welcomed the EU intervention, expressing confidence that the partnership would deliver technical expertise, promote innovation, and strengthen market linkages.
Earlier, the EU Representative to Nigeria, Hugh Briggs, said the union values its longstanding relationship with Kano State due to its agricultural potential and strategic role in Nigeria’s food production.
He noted that EU support focuses on climate-smart agriculture, investment promotion, food security, and innovation to improve productivity.
Briggs added that the EU is working with Nigeria to tackle challenges such as climate change and inadequate investment while empowering farmers, women, and youths.
Also speaking, Andrea Ruedigar of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) said Germany currently runs over 30 development projects in Nigeria, with five in Kano State.
She said the interventions target key value chains such as dairy, tomatoes, ginger, and cocoa, while addressing issues like low productivity, post-harvest losses, and limited agribusiness investment.
Ruedigar added that the programme aims to create jobs for women and youths, improve food security, and support economic diversification.
She reaffirmed the commitment of GIZ and the EU to continued collaboration with the Kano State Government to ensure successful implementation and improved rural livelihoods.
Also, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Aliyu Isah Aliyu, stressed the importance of partnerships with development agencies in boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening the livestock sector.
