Zulum seeks AfDB partnership to drive Borno’s post-conflict recovery

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday, 2nd September, led a strategic high-level delegation on a visit to Abidjan, capital of Côte d’Ivoire, where he held productive discussions with the President of African Development Bank (AfDB. Sidi Ould Tah, on strengthening investment partnerships to accelerate the state’s post-conflict recovery and development.

The meeting focused on deepening the longstanding partnership between Borno State and the African Development Bank, building on the bank’s continued support and confidence in the state’s recovery and development efforts.

Since assuming office on 1 September 2025, Dr Sidi Ould Tah has twice paid courtesy visits to Maiduguri, a remarkable demonstration of solidarity with the Government and people of Borno State and confidence in the state’s recovery and development trajectory.

The Governor, who was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, led discussions centred on identifying opportunities for high-impact, sustainable investments to accelerate Borno’s transition from post-conflict recovery to long-term economic growth and resilience.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Zulum informed the President of the Bank that Borno is moving from recovery to real sustainable growth. He stressed the need for partners like the AfDB who believe in that journey.

“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.

Discussions also covered other key areas, including climate-smart agriculture and 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 attention was given to the economic potential of the Lake Chad Basin, with emphasis on investments in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, renewable energy, agro-processing and cross-border trade. Such investments are expected to strengthen livelihoods, create jobs and contribute to the stability and development of communities across the region.

“Lake Chad Basin holds enormous promise for our people, and for our neighbours across the region,” Zulum noted. “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 ways the AfDB could support Borno State in preparing and structuring priority projects, improving their bankability, mobilising financing and strengthening institutional capacity for effective implementation.

The engagement reflects the commitment of Borno State Government, under Governor Zulum’s leadership, to building strategic partnerships that attract investment, unlock the state’s economic potential, create sustainable employment and improve the wellbeing of its citizens.

The State Government appreciates the African Development Bank for its continued commitment to Borno State and commends the Honourable Minister of Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, for his support in strengthening collaboration between Borno State, the Federal Government and international development partners.

The President of the African Development Bank, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, in appreciation of the visit, extended a further invitation to Governor Zulum and his team to visit him in Mauritania in December, 2026, with a view to exploring mutually beneficial areas of cooperation and support between Borno State, Nigeria, and the African Development Bank.

Other members of the delegation include 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.