The European Union is strengthening its partnership with regional governments in Northern Nigeria with to invest €300 million to stimulate economic development and human development.

The EU economic agenda and areas of priority include digital economy, renewable energy, agriculture, environmental and climate change, as well as strengthening job opportunities for the younger generation in the region.

Head of the EU delegation, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, disclosed the proposed intervention when he led some members of the delegations on a courtesy visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf yesterday in Kano. He said Kano is to benefit more from the developmental plan, anchored under the EU Globalgate way corporation that would be unfolded soon.

Besides the economic and trade agenda, the head of the delegation stressed that state governments in the region could also leverage the gateway initiative to access credit and loan facilities to accelerate growth.

Although Mignot reminded that the EU is strengthening bilateral relationships with the Federal Government, he emphasised the need to extend partnership with sub-nationals for inclusive economic development.

“Our bilateral agenda focuses on the green and digital economy, enhancing partnerships especially in Northwest and Northeast due to their population. EU has seen potential development in Kano, especially in trade and human development.

“The EU, through its special project, Globalgate way, is strengthening human development and enabling financial instruments to state governments, more importantly to accelerate investment and create job opportunities to younger generation,” he said.

Responding, Governor Yusuf applauded the European Union’s intervention, especially in renewable energy, education and digital economy. He pledged readiness to create an enabling environment to ease investment opportunities and infrastructure to strengthen the intervention.