Kano State is seeking stronger economic ties with the United Kingdom to attract foreign investment, expand business opportunities and create jobs, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf calls for increased British participation in the state’s economy.

Yusuf made the appeal on Friday when he received Pete Vowles, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, during a familiarisation visit to the Government House in Kano.

The governor said Kano’s longstanding historical, economic, cultural and diplomatic relationship with the UK provided a strong foundation for expanding cooperation, particularly in areas capable of stimulating economic growth and improving living standards.

He urged the British government to support efforts to attract investors to the state, arguing that Kano had considerable economic potential that could be harnessed through stronger international partnerships.

Yusuf said increased British investment would help create employment opportunities, expand businesses and improve the economic wellbeing of residents, while reaffirming his administration’s readiness to provide an enabling environment for foreign investors and development partners.

He described the high commissioner’s visit as an opportunity to consolidate existing relations and identify new areas of cooperation that would deliver mutual benefits to Kano and the UK.

The governor also expressed optimism that the engagement would translate into practical partnerships capable of supporting the state’s development ambitions.

In his response, Vowles acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Kano and the UK and expressed interest in strengthening engagement and exploring additional opportunities for cooperation.

The renewed investment overture comes as Kano seeks to leverage its position as a major commercial centre in northern Nigeria to attract international capital, strengthen its private sector and widen economic opportunities.

However, translating the diplomatic engagement into actual investments will depend on the state’s ability to convert its investment promises into bankable opportunities, supported by predictable policies, reliable infrastructure, security and an investor-friendly business environment.

For Kano, stronger relations with the UK could provide access to foreign capital, technical expertise and international business networks, but the ultimate measure of success will be the extent to which such partnerships generate productive enterprises, sustainable employment and improved economic conditions for residents.