By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has sought stronger collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to attract investments and accelerate the state’s transition from post-conflict recovery to sustainable economic growth.
Zulum made the appeal on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a high-level engagement with the President of the AfDB, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The governor, who led a delegation that included the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said Borno was entering a new phase in its development trajectory, requiring strategic partnerships capable of supporting long-term growth and resilience.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between Borno State and the AfDB and exploring new investment opportunities that could support the state’s reconstruction and economic transformation.
Zulum said the state’s priorities had moved beyond rebuilding infrastructure and communities affected by conflict to creating an economy capable of providing sustainable livelihoods for its people.
“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,” he said.
Focus on Agriculture, Energy, Infrastructure
The discussions covered several areas considered critical to Borno’s economic transformation, including climate-smart agriculture, agro-industrial development, livestock production, modern ranching, irrigation and water infrastructure.
Other areas identified for potential collaboration included renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, youth employment, enterprise development and private-sector investment through Public-Private Partnerships.
The governor and AfDB leadership also examined investment opportunities within the Lake Chad Basin, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, agro-processing and cross-border trade.
Zulum said strategic investments in the basin could help rebuild livelihoods while promoting economic integration and stability among communities affected by years of insecurity.
“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.
AfDB Support for Project Financing
The engagement also explored avenues for the development bank to assist Borno in identifying and structuring priority projects, improving their bankability, mobilising financing and strengthening institutional capacity for effective implementation.
The state government said such support would be critical to attracting large-scale investments and ensuring that development projects are designed to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits.
Zulum’s administration, it added, is seeking to use strategic partnerships to unlock Borno’s economic potential, expand employment opportunities and improve the living standards of residents.
The governor’s delegation included the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Maina Yaumi; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Umar Lawan Dalorima; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Ezenwa Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala.
The state government also acknowledged the AfDB’s continued interest in Borno’s recovery efforts and commended Minister Bagudu for his role in strengthening cooperation among the state government, the Federal Government and international development partners.
AfDB President Invites Zulum to Mauritania
In a further indication of the emerging partnership, AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah invited Governor Zulum and his delegation to Mauritania in December 2026 for further discussions on areas of cooperation involving Borno State, Nigeria and the development bank.
The proposed engagement is expected to provide another opportunity to deepen discussions on investment, financing and technical support for projects aligned with Borno’s development priorities.
Since assuming office on September 1, 2025, Ould Tah has visited Maiduguri twice, engagements the Borno government described as a demonstration of the bank’s confidence in the state’s recovery efforts and development prospects.
The latest meeting in Abidjan is expected to further consolidate that relationship as Borno seeks to attract investment and move decisively from post-conflict reconstruction towards a more diversified and resilient economy.
