Borno Advocates Stronger Economic Ties With Chad Despite Insurgency

Borno State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Mussami has called for stronger economic cooperation between Borno State and the Republic of Chad, saying that the security challenges confronting the region should motivate deeper trade, investment, and cross-border relations.

The commissioner added that Borno and Chad shared significant economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing, which could be harnessed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods.

Mussami stated this on Tuesday at an investment and business summit held between the Chadian delegation and Borno Stakeholders in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

He expressed optimism that Borno State would overcome its security challenges through sustained government efforts and increased economic activities, noting that the state had continued to demonstrate resilience despite the effects of insurgency.

The commissioner recalled that when Governor Babagana Zulum assumed office, many farming communities had limited access to their farmlands due to Boko Haram activities.

He, however, said the governor’s efforts to address insecurity had helped strengthen the state’s determination to restore livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.

According to him, the security situation should not discourage economic cooperation but rather encourage stakeholders to work together to build stronger and more sustainable partnerships.

“We are optimistic that we are going to come out stronger. We are not going to relent in the efforts being made by the government to address insecurity and improve the livelihoods of our people,” he said.

The commissioner stressed the need to promote local production and maximise Borno’s agricultural potential, noting that the state experiences distinct farming seasons, including the rainy, dry, and post-rainy seasons.

He identified sesame and other agricultural commodities as products with considerable potential for increased production, processing and cross-border trade.

He urged stakeholders in both Borno and Chad to collaborate to develop agro-allied industries and establish processing facilities that would add value to locally produced commodities.

“We need to domesticate local production. We have the rainy season, the dry season, and the post-rainy season. We produce sesame, and we can collectively come together to explore the potential in our agricultural sector,” he said.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Republic of Chad’s Civil Cabinet and leader of the Chadian delegation to the summit, Gen. Dr Youssouf Ahmad Tyera described Chad and Borno State as brothers bound by a common destiny, shared cultural heritage and historical ties.

Tyera expressed appreciation to the Borno State Government and its officials for the warm reception accorded to the Chadian delegation during its visit to the state.

He said the hospitality extended to them by the state government and officials of various institutions had made the visit a memorable and fulfilling experience.

The Chadian presidential aide described the experience as unforgettable, adding that the delegation would reciprocate the gesture by inviting its hosts to Chad.

“We cannot leave this memory like that. You will also be invited to Chad to do the same thing,” Tyera stated.

He stressed that the relationship between Chad and Borno went beyond geographical proximity, noting that both shared common cultural values, historical connections and a strong sense of brotherhood.