Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially commissioned the Borno Plastic Factory, marking a major milestone in his administration’s drive to industrialise the state and reduce overreliance on federal allocations.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility located in the new Maiduguri Industrial Area on Thursday, the governor announced that the factory had commenced both nationwide distribution and exportation of its plastic products to neighbouring countries.
“Borno Will No Longer Depend on Other States for Plastics”
“I am happy to note that people from Borno State will no longer procure plastic materials from other places,” Zulum declared, expressing confidence that the factory would not only meet domestic needs but also serve external markets.
Akahi News learnt that the factory has already processed and delivered international orders, with finished plastic wares shipped to Chad and Cameroon, while domestic sales are ongoing across several states in Nigeria.
“You have seen that the products have been sold to our neighbouring countries and other states within Nigeria,” the governor said. “We will invest more in our industries so that, in the near future, Borno State Government will no longer rely on the Federation Account for its day-to-day activities.”
Factory Revived and Expanded Under PPP Model
Governor Zulum revealed that the Borno Plastic Factory was initially built during the tenure of former Governor Kashim Shettima but had remained largely inactive until his administration revived and expanded it under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The facility is now being managed by Tatabe Global Services, responsible for day-to-day operations, production, and marketing, while the state government provides oversight and an enabling business environment to ensure long-term sustainability.
The governor explained that the factory, currently operating at full capacity, manufactures a wide range of household and industrial plastic products, including chairs, tables, basins, and buckets.
Boosting Jobs, Youth Empowerment, and Economic Recovery
Zulum described the venture as a symbol of Borno’s economic recovery and industrial rebirth, adding that it had already created hundreds of direct jobs for youths and artisans across the state.
“The factory has become a model for industrial revival and youth empowerment in our state,” he said, emphasising that such projects form a critical part of his administration’s post-insurgency rebuilding efforts.
The governor’s industrial agenda aligns with his broader strategy of repositioning Borno for economic resilience. Earlier this year, Akahi News reported how the state spent ₦2.6bn on “repentant” Boko Haram members, amid concerns about the sustainability of peace-building programmes. Read more here.
Regional Impact and Broader Economic Implications
The revival of the plastic factory is expected to attract investment into the Maiduguri Industrial Area and stimulate local production chains. Experts say it could also inspire similar ventures across the North-East, where industrial infrastructure has been severely damaged by years of insurgency.
Observers further note that such projects are vital for reducing unemployment, curbing extremism, and rebuilding community confidence. However, this progress exists alongside broader national challenges, including insecurity and governance concerns. For instance, Akahi News recently reported that Gunmen abducted the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Samaila Bagudu, after Friday prayers — a reminder that peace and industrial growth must go hand in hand. Read full details here.
Industrialisation and Political Will
During the inspection, Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, alongside principal officers and senior government officials. The Speaker commended the governor’s vision and called the project “a testament to what political will can achieve even in challenging times.”
The success of the Borno Plastic Factory coincides with broader discussions about Nigeria’s economic and political future. Akahi News recently reported on Senator Jarigbe’s ongoing consultations ahead of a possible defection to the APC, signalling realignments that could shape industrial and investment policies in years to come. See details here.
Beyond Plastics: Building a Sustainable Economy
As Borno begins exporting its products across Africa, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into a hub of innovation and self-sufficiency.
For individuals looking to make wiser business choices amid Nigeria’s evolving economy, Akahi News recommends practical reads like How to Spot Fake Investment Platforms That Promise to Double Your Money and How to Correct NYSC Errors: Name, Date of Birth, and Course of Study.
Meanwhile, as world powers like the United States continue to monitor Nigeria’s governance and religious climate, the re-designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” — as recently reported by Akahi News — highlights the global attention Nigeria’s domestic policies are attracting.
Borno’s industrial success story is a hopeful sign that with determination, innovation, and transparency, Nigerian states can rebuild from the ashes of conflict and dependency into engines of sustainable growth.
🎓 Attend 2027/2028 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org