Zulum Intensifies Drive to Attract Pharmaceutical Investment to Borno
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s economy by attracting strategic private-sector investments, particularly in the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, mining, and trade sectors.
As part of this effort, Governor Zulum on Monday held high-level investment discussions with prospective investors in Abuja, seeking partnerships that will expand healthcare services, create employment opportunities, improve food security, and stimulate industrial development across Borno State.
The investment meeting took place at the office of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and brought together government officials, healthcare experts, and representatives of an international investment group exploring opportunities in Nigeria’s healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
Jampur Group Eyes Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Maiduguri
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the expression of interest by the Jampur Group, an international conglomerate with operations spanning shipping, power generation, mining, manufacturing, and international trade.
Having maintained a business presence in Nigeria for more than two decades, the company announced plans to invest in two key projects in Borno State:
Establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Maiduguri.
Production of Tom Brown, a highly nutritious complementary food widely used to combat child malnutrition.
The proposed investments are expected to strengthen healthcare delivery, increase local pharmaceutical production, improve nutrition among vulnerable children, and reduce dependence on imported medical products.
Pharmaceutical Industry to Strengthen Healthcare in Borno
The planned pharmaceutical manufacturing facility is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare value chain by improving access to essential medicines while supporting local production.
If successfully implemented, the project could deliver several long-term benefits, including:
Increased availability of quality pharmaceutical products.
Creation of skilled and unskilled employment opportunities.
Development of local manufacturing capacity.
Support for maternal and child healthcare programmes.
Reduction in supply chain disruptions for essential medicines.
Attraction of additional healthcare-related investments into Borno State.
The planned production of Tom Brown will also complement ongoing nutrition programmes aimed at reducing childhood malnutrition and improving public health outcomes.
Zulum Assures Investors of Government Support
Governor Zulum assured the investors that the Borno State Government is fully committed to creating a business-friendly environment capable of supporting large-scale investments.
According to the governor, his administration will provide land, facilitate regulatory processes where necessary, and introduce incentives that will enable investors to establish and expand their operations successfully.
He emphasized that the government remains focused on policies that encourage industrialization, economic diversification, and sustainable private-sector growth.
Governor Zulum noted that attracting reputable investors remains one of the most effective ways to create jobs, stimulate economic activities, and improve the living standards of residents across the state.
Borno’s Strategic Position Offers Regional Market Access
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Zulum highlighted Borno State’s unique geographical advantage, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most strategic commercial locations.
He explained that Borno serves as the gateway to Nigeria’s Northeast while also providing access to markets in five neighbouring African countries.
According to him, manufacturers operating from Maiduguri can reach millions of consumers across the region, making the state an attractive destination for industrial and commercial investments.
The governor stressed that this strategic location offers enormous opportunities for businesses involved in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and international trade.
Federal Government Officials Back Healthcare Investment
The investment meeting was attended by several senior government officials and healthcare stakeholders, reflecting growing collaboration between the Federal Government and Borno State in expanding Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.
Among those present were the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Director-General of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdul Mukhtar, and the Country Manager of Jampur Group, Mohammad Asad Javeed.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, and the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Baba Bukar Gujibawu.
Economic Impact of the Proposed Investment
Industry observers believe that the proposed pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and Tom Brown production plant could significantly strengthen Borno’s industrial base while contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare manufacturing capacity.
Beyond improving healthcare services, the projects are expected to generate employment, support local businesses, encourage technology transfer, increase internally generated economic activities, and position Maiduguri as an emerging pharmaceutical and manufacturing hub in Northern Nigeria.
In conclusion, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s engagement with international investors reflects his administration’s broader strategy of using private-sector partnerships to accelerate economic recovery and sustainable development in Borno State. By prioritizing investments in pharmaceuticals, nutrition, manufacturing, and trade, the state aims to improve healthcare outcomes, create jobs, and unlock new economic opportunities for its growing population.
As discussions progress, the proposed investments have the potential to transform Borno into a regional centre for pharmaceutical production and healthcare innovation while reinforcing its position as one of the Northeast’s emerging investment destinations.
