Dangote allocates ₦366m shares to Borno IDPs, returnees
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Dangote Group has allocated shares worth ₦366 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and returnees in Borno, while Dangote Foundation has pledged scholarships for 4,000 girls over six years.
The commitments were among the major outcomes of the two-day Borno State Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement Private Sector Roundtable held in Lagos on Oct. 8 and 9.
This is contained in a statement signed by Dauda Iliya, Special Adviser to Gov. Babagana Zulum on Media and Communication, issued in Maiduguri at the weekend.
The roundtable brought together more than 20 private sector actors across banking, telecommunications, commerce, infrastructure, housing, impact investment and philanthropy, alongside representatives of United Nations agencies and the media.
According to the statement, nine letters of commitment were signed by private sector organisations, with six signed on the first day and three on the second, indicating interest in investing in sectors supporting Borno’s recovery and durable solutions agenda.
It added that two investors received land allocation approvals on the first day, while Airtel secured right-of-way approval to erect telecommunications towers to expand connectivity across the state.
The statement said the state government also offered incentives to attract investors, including land for industrial development within two weeks and residential plots within 24 hours.
Other incentives include waivers, an investor-friendly business environment, an industrial hub, an international dry port and access to international markets.
It said the investment pipeline would be organised by sector and aligned with relevant pillars of the Borno State 25-Year Development Plan.
To ensure implementation, the Borno Government, GIZ and, where necessary, Dyna-vest would establish an Investment Facilitation Support Group to monitor commitments, address challenges and provide quarterly progress reports.
The statement said the initiative aimed to translate investment pledges into sustainable livelihoods, jobs and economic opportunities for displaced persons, returnees and host communities.
