Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, September 2, led a high-level delegation to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where he held strategic discussions with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Sidi Ould Tah, on strengthening investment partnerships to accelerate Borno’s post-conflict recovery and long-term development.
The engagement focused on deepening the longstanding relationship between Borno State and the African Development Bank, building on the institution’s continued support for the state’s recovery, reconstruction and development efforts.
Since assuming office on September 1, 2025, Dr Sidi Ould Tah has visited Maiduguri twice on courtesy visits, a gesture that underscores the AfDB’s solidarity with the government and people of Borno State and its confidence in the state’s recovery and development trajectory.
Governor Zulum, accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, led discussions on opportunities for high-impact and sustainable investments capable of moving Borno beyond post-conflict recovery towards inclusive economic growth, resilience and self-sufficiency.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Zulum said Borno was gradually transitioning from recovery to sustainable economic growth, stressing the importance of partnerships with development institutions that share the state’s vision.
“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.
The discussions covered several priority sectors, including climate-smart agriculture, agro-industrial development, livestock and modern ranching, irrigation and water infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, youth employment, enterprise development and private-sector investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Particular emphasis was placed on the enormous economic potential of the Lake Chad Basin, with proposed investment opportunities spanning agriculture, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, agro-processing and cross-border trade.
According to Governor Zulum, strategic investment in the Lake Chad Basin could transform livelihoods, create employment opportunities and strengthen stability across communities affected by years of conflict and economic disruption.
“Lake Chad Basin holds enormous promise for our people and for our neighbours across the region. 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,” he said.
The meeting also explored opportunities for the African Development Bank to assist Borno State in developing and structuring priority projects, enhancing their bankability, mobilising financing and strengthening institutional capacity for effective project implementation.
The engagement underscores the commitment of the Borno State Government under Governor Zulum to building strategic partnerships that can attract investments, unlock the state’s economic potential, generate sustainable employment and improve the wellbeing of its citizens.
The state government expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank for its continued commitment to Borno and commended the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, for his role in strengthening collaboration among Borno State, the Federal Government and international development partners.
In recognition of the discussions and the prospects for further cooperation, President Sidi Ould Tah extended an invitation to Governor Zulum and his delegation to visit him in Mauritania in December 2026. The proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity to further explore mutually beneficial areas of cooperation 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.
