Borno Government and a visiting Chadian delegation have identified petroleum, agriculture, industrial development and dry port facilities as priority areas for strengthening economic cooperation and investment between Nigeria and Chad.
This development is contained in a communique issued and signed by Dr Zanna Boguma, Special Adviser to Gov. Babagana Zulum on Culture and Regional Integration on Thursday in Maiduguri.
The communique followed a two-day joint meeting at the Borno Investment and Trade Centre Development Agency (BITCDA) office in Maiduguri.
The meeting explored investment opportunities, trade facilitation, industrial development and cross-border economic relations between Borno and Chad.
According to the communique, participants discussed potential partnerships in petroleum storage and distribution, agro-processing, livestock commercialisation, manufacturing, warehousing and commercial logistics.
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 in petroleum, transportation and telecommunications.
Borno government representatives included the Commissioner for Agriculture, Bawu Musami, officials of the Borno Investment Promotion Council and representatives of relevant ministries and agencies in the state.
The communique said that agriculture and livestock sectors offered opportunities for joint ventures in commercial production, processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural commodities.
It added that the proposed establishment of a dry port or inland logistics hub in Borno could improve cargo handling,
“Warehousing and the distribution of goods across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahelian region were also discussed,” it said.
The participants also emphasised stronger business-to-business relations, improved market access and cooperation between Nigerian and Chadian enterprises.
The communique noted that the proposed investments would require feasibility studies, market assessments, appropriate regulatory approvals and participation by relevant public and private-sector operators.
It recommended that participating institutions designate focal persons, identify priority projects and facilitate connections between prospective investors and suitable local partners.
The delegation also met officials of Borno Chamber of Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BOCIMMA) and members of the business community to explore further commercial partnerships.
The communique said that the engagement provided a foundation for strengthening historical and cultural ties between Borno and Chad through mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
It added that sustained institutional engagement and practical follow-up measures would be necessary to translate the discussions into viable projects, employment opportunities and sustainable regional economic growth.
NAN