The Government of Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Kaduna State by supporting its investment drive through partnerships in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.
During a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Lacopo Foti, met with the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, where he expressed Italy’s interest in facilitating business connections between Italian companies and the state.
The ambassador noted that the purpose of the visit was to better understand the government’s development agenda and identify areas where Italy could contribute.
He indicated a keen interest in supporting private sector investments, particularly in machinery and manufacturing, including agricultural equipment like tractors and processing plants.
Foti encouraged the Kaduna State Government to engage with the Italian Embassy to explore collaboration opportunities, stating that the embassy is prepared to facilitate contact with Italian companies in areas such as industrial technology, renewable energy, and vocational training.
He added that the embassy is awaiting formal proposals from the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), expressing optimism that discussions from the visit could soon lead to tangible outcomes.
Potential collaborations in agriculture, education, and workforce training were among the key topics discussed.
In addition, the ambassador highlighted the presence of Italians residing in Kaduna and emphasized the embassy’s interest in supporting both the expatriate community and the state’s economic development.
Responding to the ambassador, Deputy Governor Balarabe acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Italy, and expressed Kaduna State’s desire to build a robust economic partnership with Italy.
She highlighted the state’s strengths in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, and energy, pointing out that Kaduna is Nigeria’s top producer of maize, tomatoes, and ginger.
She added that the state offers opportunities for investment in human capital development and digital technology.
Dr. Balarabe also instructed KADIPA to prepare a detailed proposal for the Italian government, and expressed confidence that the ambassador’s visit would mark the beginning of productive collaboration between the two parties.
“We are looking forward to future engagements and believe this visit is the first of many fruitful interactions between Kaduna and the Italian government,” she said.
The visit is seen as a strategic step toward fostering foreign investment and economic diversification in Kaduna State.
