Borno State's economic landscape is poised for a significant transformation, driven by a new initiative to attract substantial investment into its core sectors. Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, has pledged to woo both domestic and international investors to harness the state's vast potential in agriculture, livestock, minerals, and tourism.
A High-Profile Meeting and a Generous Gesture
The commitment was made during a high-profile visit by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, to Indimi's residence on Damboa Road in Maiduguri on 8 December 2025. The governor's visit was primarily to express the state's gratitude for Indimi's generous donation of N2 billion to the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) endowment fund.
During their discussions, the conversation naturally progressed to the broader development of the state. Indimi revealed to Governor Zulum that he has been actively engaging with a wide network of investors ready to explore the abundant opportunities in Borno. He emphasized the state's comparative advantages in crop production, livestock rearing, and mineral resources, all of which are ripe for industrial development and export.
Investor Confidence and Economic Turnaround
Indimi stated that investors from Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the United States, and Canada have shown keen interest. He attributed this growing confidence to the improved security and investor-friendly environment being fostered by the state government.
"You're doing a great job," Indimi told Governor Zulum. "Even last Monday I received guests from Switzerland and with that, I am so proud that you are creating an investor-friendly environment in the critical economic sectors to overcome the challenges of poverty and unemployment among the youths and women."
He assured the governor that the move would advance the state's Livestock, Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism (LAMT) sectors, leading to a major economic turnaround. "Very soon, you will start seeing people coming to you at the Government House to seek permissions for investments," he added.
Beyond Natural Resources: A Holistic Development Plan
Beyond the focus on natural resources, the philanthropist also announced plans for investments in the state's educational and healthcare infrastructure. This includes supporting the Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU) and the new Borno State Teaching Hospital (BSTH) located along the Maiduguri-Kano Expressway.
In his earlier remarks, Governor Zulum commended Indimi for his unwavering and transformative support for education, not only in Borno but across Nigeria. The collaborative effort between the state government and private sector leaders like Indimi signals a robust push towards sustainable economic diversification and job creation for the people of Borno State.
