Chairman of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency (Borno-Invest) and Chief Investment Adviser to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, has called on residents, entrepreneurs and investors to take advantage of the state’s vast economic opportunities, describing Borno as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations.
Kori made the call on Monday during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Nationwide Town Hall and State Engagement Tour held at the Conference Hall of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) in Maiduguri.
Representing the Deputy Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the State Ease of Doing Business Council, Alhaji Usman Kadafur, Kori said the state government was committed to creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting local and foreign investments.
He noted that Borno was leveraging its abundant land resources, expanding road network, electricity infrastructure, solar and gas energy potential, skilled workforce and growing population to stimulate private-sector-led economic growth.
“Today marks another milestone in our collective journey to make Borno State not just a post-conflict recovery story, but a model of regulatory efficiency and investment attractiveness,” Kori said.
According to him, the presence of the PEBEC team and the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) project in Maiduguri reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the business environment across the country.
“The presence of PEBEC and the SABER project here in Maiduguri underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to subnational business enabling reforms, and Borno is proud to be at the forefront,” he added.
Kori highlighted several reforms already implemented by the state government under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration, including the domestication of key business reforms through the SABER programme in collaboration with the World Bank and the operationalisation of the Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP).
“Our goal is simple: to reduce the cost and time of doing business, to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and to provide a seamless, transparent and predictable regulatory environment for every investor,” he stated.
The Borno-Invest chairman assured investors that the agency would continue working closely with PEBEC, the SABER project and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to harmonise fees, simplify regulations and improve the overall investment experience in the state.
“As Chairman of Borno-Invest, I can assure you that our agency stands ready to work hand-in-hand with PEBEC, the SABER project and all MDAs to harmonise fees, simplify regulations and improve the investor experience from entry to exit,” he said.
Describing the town hall meeting as more than a routine engagement, Kori urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions that would help strengthen the state’s investment climate.
“Today’s town hall is not a talk shop. It is an action forum. We expect candid conversations, practical recommendations and firm commitments,” he said.
He also encouraged members of the private sector to openly identify challenges affecting business operations in the state.
“To our private sector colleagues, your voice is critical. Tell us where the obstacles remain. Tell us what works and what does not. We are listening,” he added.
Kori commended Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu and the PEBEC team for including Borno in the nationwide engagement tour and expressed appreciation to BOGIS for hosting the event.
The town hall attracted investors, entrepreneurs, bankers, business owners, representatives of government agencies and members of the organised private sector, who discussed business reforms, investment opportunities and strategies for improving the state’s ease of doing business ranking.
Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu represented the Director-General of PEBEC at the event. Other participants included the Director-General of Borno State Investment Promotion Agency, Hajiya Maryam Shehu; representatives of the Borno Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BOCCIMA); Jaiz Bank; the Borno State Internal Revenue Service; and officials of the SABER project.
Stakeholders used the forum to explore available investment opportunities and the benefits of investing in Borno’s growing economy as the state continues efforts to attract new businesses and expand economic activities.
