Yobe Government Seeks Arab Bank Partnership For Post-Insurgency Recovery

The Yobe State government, led by Governor Mai Mala Buni, engaged in discussions with Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), to explore potential areas of support and collaboration. The meeting took place on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Governor Buni highlighted the need for international assistance to rebuild the state following the devastation caused by years of insurgency, noting that Yobe is the second most affected state by Boko Haram attacks. The insurgency, he said, had led to the loss of lives, the destruction of public and private infrastructure, and the displacement of many citizens.

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Despite the return of peace to the region, Buni emphasized that the state’s economy remains too weak to handle the extensive reconstruction needed. He sought BADEA’s partnership to accelerate Yobe’s rehabilitation efforts, particularly in agriculture, a sector critical for the state’s post-insurgency recovery.

Buni also detailed the state’s progress, including its agricultural empowerment program and the development of an international cargo airport aimed at boosting trade and investment opportunities.

In response, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah commended the governor’s efforts and assured him of the bank’s willingness to explore partnerships that would support the state’s recovery and development programs.