Sam Kaye
Borno State Government has announced plans to restore and boost trade and businesses between Borno and.Chad which had flourished years back before the advent of security challenge faced
Governor, Babagana Zulum, was speaking when he hosted a delegation from Chad that came in solidarity with Borno people over the recent flood disaster which hit parts of Maiduguri.
He expressed commitment to strengthening of economic ties with the Republic of Chad in a bid to revive trade and socio-economic activities disrupted by the lingering Boko Haram insurgency.
The Governor made the announcement while hosting a Chadian delegation led by General Abdulkarim Idris Derby Itno, who visited Maiduguri to express sympathy over the recent flood disaster over the city.
During the visit, Zulum assured that he would pay a reciprocal visit to Chad to meet with President Mahamat Idris Derby Itno to discuss regional economy and trade issues.
“I will soon pay a visit to Chad to discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly the restoration of waterway transport between Baga town and Chad to facilitate commerce,” Zulum stated.
In addition to commercial exchanges, Zulum said he would coordinate with the chambers of commerce of Chad and northeastern Nigeria to bolster economic partnership between the two countries.
In a statement signed by his spokesman Dauda Ilya, the Governor hinted that he intends to fast track the planned repatriation of Nigerian citizens currently taking refuge in Baga Sola, Chad.
Zulum commended President Derby’s leadership in the fight against Boko Haram and extended his condolences over the recent loss of Chadian troops ambushed and killed by daredevil insurgents at the fringes of the lake Chad.
Responding, General Abdelkarim Idris Derby Itno conveyed President Derby’s sympathy to the people of Borno following the recent flooding.
He described people of Borno and Chad as one who share similar cultures and traditions.
According to him, their President is personally leading the war against Boko Haram following the brutal killing of over 40 soldiers by insurgents recently.(www.krestnews.com)