Borno Strengthens Partnership with African Development Bank in High-Level Abidjan Meeting

The Honourable Commissioner, Borno State Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Maina Yaumi, on 2 September 2026, accompanied the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, CON, FNSE, on a strategic high-level courtesy visit to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where the delegation held productive discussions with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Sidi Ould Tah.

The delegation also included the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON; the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Umar Lawan Dalorima; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Ambassador Ezenwa Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala.

Since assuming office on 1 September 2025, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has twice paid courtesy visits to Maiduguri, demonstrating the African Development Bank’s solidarity with the Government and people of Borno State, as well as its confidence in the State’s recovery and development trajectory.

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

Discussions centred on identifying high-impact and sustainable investment opportunities capable of accelerating Borno State’s transition from post-conflict recovery to long-term economic growth, resilience and prosperity.

Key areas of focus included climate-smart agriculture and agro-industrial development, livestock and modern ranching, irrigation and water infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, youth employment and enterprise development, as well as 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 sustainable employment opportunities and contribute to the stability and development of communities across the region.

The delegation also explored opportunities for the African Development Bank to support Borno State in the preparation and structuring of priority projects, enhancing their bankability, mobilising financing and strengthening institutional capacity for effective implementation.

The engagement underscores the commitment of the Borno State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, 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 Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, for his support in strengthening collaboration between Borno State, the Federal Government and international development partners.

In appreciation of the visit, the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, extended a further invitation to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and his team to visit him in Mauritania in December 2026. The proposed engagement is expected to provide an opportunity to further explore mutually beneficial areas of cooperation and support between Borno State, Nigeria, and the African Development Bank.