Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has sought a stronger partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to accelerate the state’s post-conflict recovery and drive sustainable economic growth.
Zulum made the request when he led a high-level delegation to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where he held discussions with the President of the AfDB, Dr Sidi Ould Tah.
The meeting focused on strengthening investment partnerships to accelerate Borno’s recovery and development, while deepening the longstanding relationship between the state and the development bank.
Since assuming office on September 1, 2025, Ould Tah has twice paid courtesy visits to Maiduguri, a development described as a demonstration of solidarity with the Borno State Government and its people, as well as confidence in the state’s recovery efforts.
Accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Zulum said the state was moving beyond recovery towards sustainable economic growth and resilience.
He stressed the importance of working with development partners such as the AfDB to achieve the objective.
“Our partnership with the African Development Bank is not just about funding projects, it is about building a future where Borno can stand on its own, where our people can farm, trade and live without fear,” Zulum said.
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The discussions covered opportunities for high-impact and sustainable investments in climate-smart agriculture, agro-industrial development, livestock and modern ranching, irrigation and water infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, youth employment and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored private-sector investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), with particular attention to the economic potential of the Lake Chad Basin.
The governor said the region offered significant opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, agro-processing and cross-border trade.
Such investments, he noted, could strengthen livelihoods, create employment and contribute to stability and development in communities across the region.
“Lake Chad Basin holds enormous promise for our people, and for our neighbours across the region,” Zulum said.
He added, “If we invest properly in agriculture, fisheries and clean energy there, we will not only rebuild livelihoods, we will restore hope and stability to communities that have suffered for far too long.”
The delegation also explored areas where the AfDB could assist Borno in preparing and structuring priority projects, improving their bankability, mobilising financing and strengthening institutional capacity for effective implementation.
The engagement is part of efforts by the Borno State Government to attract investment, unlock the state’s economic potential, create sustainable employment and improve the wellbeing of residents.
The state government appreciated the AfDB for its continued commitment to Borno and commended Bagudu for his support in strengthening collaboration between the state, the Federal Government and international development partners.
In appreciation of the visit, Ould Tah extended an invitation to Zulum and his team to visit him in Mauritania in December 2026 to explore mutually beneficial areas of cooperation and support between Borno State, Nigeria and the African Development Bank.
Other members of the delegation included the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Maina Yaumi; the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Umar Lawan Dalorima; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Ambassador Ezenwa Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala.