By Faridat Salifu
Borno State and Chad are exploring joint investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock production, petroleum distribution and logistics infrastructure to strengthen cross-border trade and economic ties.
The proposals emerged from a two-day meeting between Borno officials and a Chadian delegation in Maiduguri, where both sides discussed industrial development, trade facilitation and opportunities for collaboration between businesses in the two territories.
In a communique issued on Thursday, Dr Zanna Boguma, Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Culture and Regional Integration, said the discussions covered potential investments in petroleum storage and distribution, agro-processing, livestock commercialisation, manufacturing, warehousing and commercial logistics.
Agriculture and livestock were among the priority sectors, with participants considering joint ventures in production, processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural commodities.
The proposed partnerships could help businesses on both sides expand agricultural value chains and improve access to markets for livestock and other farm products.
The meeting also considered establishing a dry port or inland logistics hub in Borno to facilitate cargo handling, warehousing and the movement of goods across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.
However, the proposed facility would require further assessments and investment decisions before it could be developed.
The Chadian delegation included Dr Yousuf Tyera, Special Adviser to the President of Chad; Muhammad Ergoi, representative of the Sultan of Zaghawa; and business executives from the petroleum, transportation and telecommunications sectors.
Borno State representatives included the Commissioner for Agriculture, Bawu Musami, officials of the Borno Investment Promotion Council and representatives of relevant ministries and agencies.
The delegation also held discussions with the Borno Chamber of Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BOCIMMA) and members of the business community to identify additional commercial opportunities.
Participants highlighted the need to strengthen business-to-business relationships, improve market access and encourage cooperation between Nigerian and Chadian enterprises.
The communique stated that proposed investments would be subject to feasibility studies, market assessments, regulatory approvals and the participation of relevant public- and private-sector operators.
It recommended appointing focal persons, identifying priority projects and connecting prospective investors with suitable local partners to move the proposals forward.
The meeting was described as an opportunity to build on the historical and cultural ties between Borno and Chad through economic cooperation, with sustained engagement and practical follow-up identified as necessary to turn the proposals into viable projects, jobs and long-term regional growth.
