Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday declared that the state is fully ready for investment, citing enhanced security, strategic positioning and an increasingly favourable business climate.
Zulum made the call in Lagos at the 2025 Annual Aviation Conference organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), with the theme: “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements.”
He said Borno’s geographical advantage sets it apart as a major commercial gateway, noting its proximity to neighbouring countries and short flight times to parts of Europe and the Middle East.
“Borno State is strategically positioned in the shores of the Lake Chad, close to the Sahel region and bordering three countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republics,” the governor said.
“Maiduguri, the state capital, is close to Europe; you can leave Maiduguri and reach Malaga, Spain in three and a half hours. From Maiduguri to Jidda, Saudi Arabia, is three hours; within two hours you can reach Sudan and Algeria.”
Zulum announced that the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, would soon be commissioned for international operations, adding that the move would significantly boost economic activities and expand the state’s investment prospects.
“I am pleased to inform this gathering that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would soon commission the Maiduguri International Airport for international flights,” he said. “The potential of Maiduguri International Airport when commissioned need not be overemphasised. Therefore, I am inviting investors to come and invest in the state.”
He assured investors of improved security in the state, insisting that the capital city remained safe for business and personal movement.
“I want to inform investors that Maiduguri is safer than Lagos and Abuja. I mean it. You can move freely in the city without apprehension. We have a lot of opportunities,” Zulum said.
The governor also disclosed that the Maiduguri dry port would soon commence operations, while the Federal Government had approved the establishment of a Free Trade Zone in the state. He added that plans were underway to establish a mega industrial hub near the new international airport to further attract investments.
Zulum commended President Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation, the Managing Director of FAAN and other aviation agencies for their efforts in improving the sector.
The conference, now in its third edition, was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, who represented the president, along with the Governors of Lagos and Imo states, Borno State Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, and other key aviation stakeholders.
