Dangote Pledges N366m Shares, Scholarships for 4,000 Borno Girls

The Dangote Group has pledged shares worth N366 million to support internally displaced persons and returnees in Borno State. The group also promised scholarships for 4,000 girls over six years.

The commitments were announced after a two-day private sector roundtable on durable solutions to internal displacement in Borno State. The meeting held in Lagos over the weekend and drew more than 20 private sector leaders.

Nine Firms Sign Commitment Letters

Dauda Iliya, media adviser to the Borno State governor, disclosed the outcome in Maiduguri. He said nine organisations signed formal letters of commitment to support Borno's recovery. Other participating companies collected commitment forms to complete internal consultations before making final decisions.

Participants came from banking, telecommunications, trade, impact investment, infrastructure and housing. Representatives of United Nations agencies, including UNHCR, IOM and UNDP, also attended.

The Dangote Foundation pledged to sponsor scholarships for 4,000 girls over six years. The Dangote Group's commitments also included shares valued at N366 million for IDPs and returnees. The support is meant to aid reintegration and improve their economic prospects.

Airtel Gets Tower Approval

Airtel secured right-of-way approval to install telecom towers across Borno State. The approval is expected to support digital connectivity and improve access to telecommunications services.

Two investors also received land allocation approvals on the first day of the roundtable.

Borno Offers Incentives to Investors

The Borno State Government used the meeting to outline incentives to attract businesses and accelerate economic recovery. Investors seeking to establish industries were promised land allocations within two weeks. Residential plots would be allocated within 24 hours.

The government also highlighted tax waivers, access to an industrial hub, an international dry port and connections to international markets. The package is intended to increase private sector participation in rebuilding the state, creating economic opportunities and supporting communities affected by displacement.

The roundtable brought together government officials, private businesses and development partners to explore investment opportunities that could help displaced residents and returnees rebuild their lives. The commitments and proposed incentives form part of broader efforts to mobilise private capital and support sustainable recovery in Borno State.

For Nigerian businesses, the roundtable signals a push to lower entry barriers in Borno. The commitments and incentives could support local investment, but the immediate naira impact remains indirect.