Kano State is opening new agribusiness opportunities for Nigerians following a strengthened partnership with the European Union, as the state government moves to position agriculture as a viable investment sector rather than just subsistence activity.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made this known on Wednesday while receiving a delegation comprising officials of the EU-VACE Agriculture Value Chain Facility and the Transformative Agriculture Systems for Rural Economic Development programme at the Government House in Kano.
The engagement, according to the state government, is designed to unlock structured agribusiness opportunities across key agricultural value chains, improve productivity, and attract both local and international investors into Kano’s agricultural ecosystem.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the governor said the partnership aligns with his administration’s plan to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth, job creation, and enterprise development.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Sulaiman Wali Sani, Yusuf described the visit as timely, noting that the collaboration would accelerate ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning farmers and agribusiness operators for commercial success.
“Our administration sees agriculture not only as a means of food production, but as a pathway to jobs, wealth creation, and sustainable development,” he said.
The governor explained that Kano is focusing on building a functional agribusiness ecosystem where farmers are connected to markets, supported with modern tools, and integrated into value chains that guarantee returns on investment.
He disclosed that the government has already begun rolling out initiatives to modernise livestock production through artificial insemination services, improved breeding systems, and the deployment of modern farming equipment.
“We are determined to move from traditional practices to modern, technology-driven systems that will increase productivity and improve incomes for our farmers,” Yusuf said.
These interventions are expected to create business opportunities not just for farmers, but also for input suppliers, processors, distributors, and agritech operators within the agricultural value chain.
The governor added that animal health remains a key priority, with targeted interventions aimed at preventing livestock diseases and ensuring consistent production for both local consumption and commercial supply.
He noted that the livestock sector alone presents significant opportunities for job creation, youth and women participation, and scalable agribusiness ventures.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, expanding market access, and attracting agribusiness opportunities,” Yusuf stated.
He further emphasised that the EU partnership would provide technical expertise, support innovation, and strengthen market linkages, enabling farmers and agribusinesses in Kano to compete more effectively.
“We believe this partnership will open new opportunities for our people, especially young entrepreneurs and women involved in agribusiness,” he added.
Speaking during the visit, the European Union Representative to Nigeria, Hugh Briggs, said the EU remains committed to supporting Kano because of its strategic role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
“Kano occupies a strategic place in Nigeria’s agricultural economy, and we are pleased to deepen our cooperation with the state government,” Briggs said.
He explained that EU interventions are focused on climate-smart agriculture, investment promotion, food security, and innovation, all of which are critical to building a competitive agribusiness sector.
“Our intervention is designed to help farmers adapt to climate challenges, improve yields, and connect better with markets,” he said.
According to him, the programmes are also structured to ensure that women and young people actively participate in agribusiness opportunities, recognising their importance to long-term sector growth.
“We are particularly interested in ensuring that women and young people benefit from agricultural transformation because they are central to future growth,” Briggs added.
Also speaking, Dr Andrea Ruedigar of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit disclosed that Germany is currently implementing multiple development projects in Nigeria, with several already active in Kano.
She noted that the projects focus on key value chains such as dairy, tomatoes, ginger, and cocoa, all of which offer strong commercial potential for agribusiness investors.
“Our programmes are focused on practical solutions that will improve production, reduce post-harvest losses, and encourage private sector investment,” she said.
Ruedigar added that the initiatives are designed to create jobs, strengthen food systems, and support long-term agricultural sustainability.
“We want to support Kano in building resilient agricultural systems that create jobs and ensure long-term food security,” she stated.
Kano State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Aliyu Isah Aliyu, emphasised that partnerships with international development agencies remain critical to unlocking agribusiness opportunities at scale.
“No government can achieve lasting agricultural transformation alone. Collaboration with credible partners remains essential to achieving our goals,” he said.
Nigeria Startup News reports that with the EU-backed programmes targeting value chain development, innovation, and investment readiness, Kano is increasingly positioning itself as a leading destination for agribusiness opportunities, offering Nigerians new pathways into agriculture as a structured and profitable enterprise.
