Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for stronger collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to help the state move from post-conflict recovery to sustainable economic growth and development.
Governor Zulum made the call during a high-level meeting with the President of the AfDB, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, led discussions on opportunities for strategic investments capable of transforming Borno’s economy, creating jobs and strengthening the state’s resilience.
The meeting also sought to deepen the longstanding relationship between Borno State and the AfDB, which has continued to support recovery and development initiatives in the state.
Zulum told the AfDB president that Borno was gradually moving beyond the recovery phase and positioning itself for long-term economic growth, stressing the need for development partners to support the state’s emerging investment opportunities.
“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,” the governor said.
The discussions covered key sectors including climate-smart agriculture, agro-industrial development, livestock and modern ranching, irrigation, water infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, youth employment and enterprise development.
The governor also highlighted the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a means of attracting private capital into strategic sectors of Borno’s economy.
A major focus of the meeting was the economic potential of the Lake Chad Basin, with opportunities identified in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, agro-processing and cross-border trade.
Zulum said investment in these areas could improve livelihoods, create employment and contribute to peace and stability in communities that have endured prolonged insecurity.
“Lake Chad Basin holds enormous promise for our people, and for our neighbours across the region,” he said.
“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 further explored ways the AfDB could assist Borno in preparing and structuring priority development projects, improving their bankability, mobilising financing and strengthening institutional capacity for effective implementation.
The Borno State Government said the engagement formed part of Governor Zulum’s broader efforts to attract strategic investments, unlock the state’s economic potential, generate sustainable employment and improve the living conditions of residents.
The state government also commended the AfDB for its continued commitment to Borno and acknowledged the role of Senator Atiku Bagudu in strengthening cooperation among the state government, Federal Government and international development partners.
As part of efforts to sustain the partnership, Dr Sidi Ould Tah invited Governor Zulum and his delegation to Mauritania in December 2026 for further discussions on areas of cooperation and support between Borno State, Nigeria and the African Development Bank.