UK, Kano Government Reaffirm Development Partnership at High-Level Meeting
The Kano State Government and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening development cooperation following a high-level courtesy visit by officials of the British High Commission to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The delegation, led by Ms. Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Nigeria, visited the Government House on Tuesday to review ongoing collaboration under the UK-Kano Mutual Accountability Framework and explore areas of continued partnership.
Speaking during the visit, Ms. Rowe expressed appreciation to the government and people of Kano State for the warm reception accorded to the delegation.
She reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to its strategic partnership with both Nigeria and Kano State, while noting that the UK is currently implementing a strategic shift in its international development approach.
According to her, the new approach includes a gradual reduction in direct funding support and a stronger emphasis on leveraging private sector investment, economic growth, and multilateral partnerships.
Ms. Rowe identified three major priority areas that would guide future cooperation between the UK and Kano State. These include promoting economic growth through investment, enhancing security and stabilization, as well as strengthening systems in education, agriculture, and healthcare.
Responding on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, commended the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Kano State under the UK-Kano Development Partnership Framework.
He stated that the Kano State Government deeply values the support and collaboration of the British High Commission in critical sectors directly affecting the lives of citizens, including governance reforms, education, healthcare, economic development, institutional strengthening, and social inclusion.
“The Kano State Government highly values the support and partnership of the British High Commission in critical sectors that directly impact the lives of our people,” Garo stated.
He added that sustainable development can only be achieved through genuine partnerships founded on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.
According to him, the engagement provided another opportunity for both parties to review progress made so far, exchange ideas, and reaffirm commitment to the Mutual Accountability Framework guiding their collaboration.
The Deputy Governor further appreciated the British High Commission for its continued technical support and dedication to the development aspirations of Kano State, expressing optimism that the relationship would continue to grow stronger for the benefit of the people of the state.
The statement was signed by Aminu Dahiru and dated 12th May, 2026.