BY FAIZA JIBRIN, 20TH OCTOBER, 2026 | 10:40PM
Borno State and the Republic of Chad have agreed to develop a joint working document to guide cooperation in agriculture, trade, energy, education and security.
The agreement was reached during a bilateral business and investment meeting held at the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA) office in Maiduguri.
The meeting brought together senior government officials from both sides to discuss investment opportunities, improve cross-border trade and strengthen economic relations between the neighbouring regions.
Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Regional Integration and Culture and coordinator of the meeting, Dr. Hassan Boguma, said the Chadian delegation expressed its willingness and capacity to invest in Borno State, particularly in agriculture and livestock development.
'They came so as to express their willingness to strengthen the bond of fraternity, friendship, and relationship. Also to build economic opportunities and investments for Borno,' he said.
He said both sides discussed ways to strengthen regional integration, improve movement across their borders and create opportunities for businesses and investors.
Other areas discussed included petroleum exploration, education, security and the possible reopening of roads to ease movement and trade.
On his part, Borno State commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, Dr. Bawu Musami, said the proposed partnership would focus on agricultural processing and value addition, beyond food production and livestock.
'Statistics shows that out of 100% of what is being produced by our farmers, what our farmers enjoy is less than two to three percent,' Musami said.
He noted that farmers often earn only a small share of the value generated from their produce, while processors and other businesses benefit more.
Musami said the state was seeking investors who could support processing, expand agribusinesses and help farmers earn more from their produce, expressing confidence that the partnership could create jobs, increase farmers' income and contribute to reducing food prices.
'We are very much determined, and we are very, very optimistic that we are going to have a breakthrough,' he added.
However, insecurity was identified as a major challenge to cross-border trade and investment.
Both sides discussed the need to address the issue to support economic activities and improve access to farming communities.
The spokesman for the Chadian delegation and special adviser to the Chadian President, General Youssouf Ahmet Tyera, thanked the Borno State Government for its reception, noting that Borno and Chad shared common cultural and historical ties.
'We are brothers, neighbors, we share the same culture, the same history,' Gen. Ahmet said.
He added that the Chadian delegation would also invite Borno representatives to Chad for further engagement.
The meeting ended with hopes that the proposed working document would translate the discussions into practical agreements and strengthen cooperation.
Delegates present included the Chadian Commissioner and Minister of Agriculture, the Director General of the Investment Promotion Council, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning, and the Director of Investment, as well as the Chairman of Bobosima.