NIGERIA: UN, EU, Germany Move to Attract Investors to Borno State

The United Nations, European Union and German government have pledged support for efforts to attract private investment to Borno State as part of initiatives to create jobs, rebuild livelihoods and accelerate economic recovery in communities affected by insurgency.

The commitment was made on Thursday at the third Borno State Private Sector Engagement and Investment Roundtable in Abuja, which brought together more than 50 prospective investors.

The initiative, led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum's administration, is aimed at mobilising private capital to support reconstruction, expand business opportunities and strengthen the state's economy.

The latest roundtable follows previous engagements in Lagos, which focused on financing viable projects and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and Kano, where discussions centred on agriculture, livestock, fisheries and infrastructure.

Representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Nigeria, Thembekile Dube-Nanbe urged stakeholders to translate discussions into concrete investment opportunities and measurable results.

She called on participants to identify viable projects, mobilise funding and establish sustainable partnerships capable of driving economic growth.

Similarly, the European Union Head of Human Development, Laila Ben Amor Mathieu, stressed that private sector participation was essential to Borno's recovery, noting that government budgets and grants alone could not meet the state's reconstruction needs.

She encouraged investors to support the proposed Borno State Durable Solutions Trust Fund or pursue commercially viable projects backed by government incentives.

These incentives include access to land, industrial hubs and tax measures designed to make the state attractive to businesses.

Mathieu also urged investors to prioritise opportunities for women and young people, describing Borno as an emerging investment destination.

Meanwhile, the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr Karen Jansen, commended Governor Zulum's efforts to restore communities, rebuild infrastructure and public services, and create an enabling environment for investment.

She said private sector investment, particularly through blended financing arrangements, would complement development assistance and support the state's long-term reconstruction.

Jansen also reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Borno's recovery efforts.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Governor Zulum said improved security conditions and ongoing reforms were helping the state move from emergency humanitarian assistance towards sustainable economic recovery.

He urged investors to explore opportunities in commercial agriculture, livestock production, fisheries and manufacturing.

According to the governor, while government is responsible for providing security, infrastructure and an enabling regulatory environment, the private sector remains essential to wealth creation, employment generation and sustainable prosperity.

He also highlighted ongoing reforms by the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency to simplify investment procedures.

The reforms include improvements in land administration, fiscal incentives and public-private partnership frameworks designed to provide greater protection for investors.

The state government said the measures were part of broader efforts to attract businesses, expand economic activities and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents affected by years of insurgency.