Zulum pledges safety, economic stability for investors in Borno

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has declared the stare safe, economically stable, and ready for investments, urging businesses to seize opportunities in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, housing, and infrastructure sectors of the economy.

The governor gave the assurance on Monday during the second private sector engagement and investment roundtable at Tahir Guests Place in Kano.

Zulum, reepresented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbethe on Monday said, the roundtable, themed: “Mobilising Private Capital for Durable Solutions and Sustainable Development,” drew about 40 potential investors from different sectors.

The wooing of investors, which is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the European Union, and the German Government, comes three weeks after the Lagos roundtable, where Borno secured nine investment commitments.

Zulum told private-sector players that the state was shifting from humanitarian relief to economic recovery, with private investment needed to create jobs and help families rebuild their livelihoods.

“Presently, Borno is safe, stable and open for business. Borno sits at the nexus of the Lake Chad Basin, serving as a natural trade corridor linking Nigeria to Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic,” Zulum said.

He credited the armed forces and other security agencies, including the volunteer forces, with the security gains and said Borno’s location offered businesses access to an underserved regional market with strong demand for goods and services.

The governor identified the state’s vast arable land, livestock potential and solid mineral deposits as opportunities awaiting investment.
“Government creates the enabling environment, but the private sector creates wealth, jobs and lasting prosperity,” he said.

Zulum explained that his administration was investing in skills and human capital under Borno’s 25-year development plan. He said the state’s vocational training centres had produced more than 3,000 graduates, while training in the health sector was also receiving attention.

The governor assured prospective investors that his administration would honour its commitments and support transparent public-private partnerships, particularly in housing, agriculture and other productive sectors.

“We are not here to ask for charity. We are here to present bankable, high-yield and direct investment opportunities for you. Borno is ready. Borno is bankable. We invite you to partner with a government that honours its word,” he added.

Zulum said incentives available to investors included streamlined land acquisition, infrastructure support, industrial clusters and a supportive tax framework.

Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Response, Dr Mairo Mandara said Borno is a gateway into a regional economic system of more than 50 million people.

“Borno has moved from emergency to recovery. The task now is to convert recovery into an economy,” Mandara said.

Participants would also receive briefings on the state’s industrial park, inland dry port and bonded terminal, alongside details of the ease of doing business framework.