Borno State has been shortlisted for the 2025 State Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA) in the Infrastructure Competitiveness Category, according to a letter from Frank Aigbogun, Publisher/CEO of BusinessDay Media Limited. The nomination recognises efforts by the state government to rebuild infrastructure, revive industries, and restore livelihoods following years of conflict. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Jabi, Abuja.
The nomination letter cited specific achievements, including the rehabilitation of the Borno Plastic Industry and Borno Meat Processing Company, both previously abandoned. Through the Borno State Industrial Park and Enterprise Centre (BIP), more than 2,000 small and medium enterprises now operate with access to power, workspace, and logistics. Over 10,000 homes have been reconstructed across Maiduguri, Biu, Monguno, and Gwoza, improving market access and trade. Energy supply for industry has been strengthened by the Maiduguri 50MW Gas Plant and partnerships with the Rural Electrification Agency.
The selection was based on the BusinessDay Research & Intelligence Unit (BRIU) and BudgIT State Competitiveness Model (2025), using a Composite Infrastructure Competitiveness Index. Borno ranked among the top five northern states, with its infrastructure recovery index rising by over 41% between 2020 and 2024. Additional projects highlighted include the construction of over 100 secondary schools and development of health and education facilities such as Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Federal College Gwoza, and the Orthopaedic Hospital Azare.
The same administration overseeing reconstruction in a conflict-affected state is now being measured for infrastructure competitiveness, while residents continue to navigate the gap between official metrics and daily reality. Borno's 41% rise in infrastructure index contrasts with ongoing security challenges not factored into the award criteria. Recognition from BusinessDay does not alter the lived experience of citizens in areas like Gwoza or Monguno, where rebuilt houses and industrial parks exist alongside limited access to safety and services. The award celebrates progress on paper, but the state's true competitiveness will be determined not by indices, but by whether people can live and work without fear.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
