By Roland Ekama
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos to explore ways of strengthening the state’s participation in the export value chain.
Since taking office in 2019, Zulum’s administration has pursued economic diversification, with a focus on creating a more business-friendly environment and attracting investment to Borno State.
The governor was received by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar.
The visit followed a similar engagement last year with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
During that meeting, Zulum had called for accelerated work on the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port, a major project aimed at bringing port services closer to the North-East.
When completed, the dry port is expected to create thousands of jobs, improve internally generated revenue, and stimulate economic activity in Borno by lowering logistics costs and easing pressure on coastal ports.
In another key move, the Zulum administration is also pushing to fully operationalise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border community adjoining Cameroon. The process is already at an advanced stage.
With the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port and the Banki Free Trade Zone advancing in parallel, the administration is laying the groundwork for industrial growth, job creation, and a stronger, more self-sustaining economy for Borno State.
