Borno state Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has called for expanded collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate the state’s post-conflict recovery efforts.
Governor Zulum made this call during a meeting with the newly appointed Country Director of the World Bank, Dr. Ndiame Diop, on Friday in Abuja.
Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of the World Bank’s ongoing assistance in critical areas, including education, agriculture, health, and livestock development.
“I want to welcome you to Nigeria and wish you success in your new assignment,” he said to Dr. Diop. “Borno State has a strong collaborative relationship with the World Bank. My administration is investing heavily in healthcare, education, and agriculture—sectors that are pivotal to our recovery strategy.”
The Governor highlighted the significant impact of the World Bank’s Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) in Borno, which has enabled the execution of numerous life-saving and transformative projects across the state.
In response, Dr. Ndiame Diop pledged the World Bank’s ongoing partnership with Borno State in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, and livestock.
He commended Borno’s performance in implementing MCRP projects, noting that the state is the best state in project execution within Nigeria.
Dr. Diop expressed his commitment to further strengthening this partnership by personally visiting the state.
“Borno is leading in the implementation of MCRP projects across Nigeria,” Dr. Diop stated. “The World Bank will support efforts to reduce the malaria burden and strengthen the livestock sector. Notably, Borno State contributes 50 percent of the livestock in the North East, with the sector generating approximately 3 trillion naira nationwide, 40 percent of which comes from the North East region.”
Dr. Diop further noted that as peace returns to Borno, the World Bank aims to support additional development initiatives to bolster the state’s economy and improve livelihoods for its citizens.
Governor Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner of Health, Professor Baba Malam Gana and his environment counterpart Engr. Mohammed Emet Kois, Chief Medical Director Hospitals Management Board Professor Abubakar Kullima, Executive Director Primary Healthcare Development Board, Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji, Director General State Livestock Development Agency and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education.
