Borno, Chad delegation seek stronger economic ties, investment
By Ahmed Ahmed
A high-level delegation from Chad’s Zagawa Province has expressed readiness to strengthen economic cooperation with Borno through investments in agriculture, livestock, education, trade and energy.
Dr Zanna Hassan, a traditional titleholder in the Borno Emirate, disclosed this in an interview with Journalists after a meeting between the delegation and Borno government officials in Maiduguri.
Hassan said the delegation, comprising senior government officials, military generals and representatives of the Chadian presidency, visited to deepen historical ties and explore business opportunities between the two sides.
He said the visit also sought to revive longstanding commercial links and promote regional integration among communities in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger.
According to him, discussions at the meeting covered livestock development, agricultural cooperation, petroleum exploration, education, security and cross-border trade.
He added that the delegation had expressed interest in investing in Borno and working with the government and business community to identify viable opportunities.
Hassan said both sides would develop a document outlining areas of cooperation for further consideration and implementation.
He recalled that the Shehu of Borno, during the delegation’s visit to the palace, welcomed the visitors and reaffirmed the historical brotherhood between the Kanuri and Zagawa peoples.
Similarly, Dr Bawu Musami, Borno Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, described the engagement as timely, saying it would promote agricultural investment and value addition.
Musami said the state was seeking partnerships beyond primary production to expand agro-processing, create jobs and increase farmers’ earnings.
He observed that farmers received only a small share of the value generated along agricultural value chains, stressing the need for private investment in processing and agribusiness.
“We are not calling for production alone; we have to advocate more for agribusiness and value addition,” he said.
Musami expressed optimism that the partnership would improve food production and affordability, citing ongoing private-sector-driven agro-processing initiatives.
Dr Youssouf Tyera, Special Adviser at Chad’s Presidency, said the delegation was in Borno to chart a new course for cooperation in business, investment and education for the benefit of communities in both countries.
He said the visit would help rekindle historic relations and promote shared prosperity.
