For thousands of displaced families in Borno State, the end of a two-day investment roundtable in Lagos may mark the beginning of a new chapter – one where private companies, not just humanitarian aid, will drive their return home.
Held on October 8 and 9, 2026, the Borno State Durable Solutions Private Sector Roundtable did not end with speeches. It ended with signed commitments, nine in total, from companies willing to put money into livelihoods, housing, infrastructure and education for IDPs and returnees.
For years, displacement-affected communities in Borno have survived largely on humanitarian assistance, and the roundtable was designed to change that narrative.
Six companies signed on day one, three more on day two while others took commitment forms home for board approvals.
N366m shares for IDPs
The most direct benefit for IDPs came from the Dangote Group, which allocated shares worth *₦366 million* specifically for IDPs and returnees – giving displaced families a stake in economic recovery.
The Dangote Foundation also pledged scholarships for 4,000 girls over the next six years, targeting girls from displacement affected families who have missed out on education due to insurgency.
For returnee communities where girls’ education is often sacrificed, the scholarship pledge was described by participants as the most transformative outcome of the event.
Beyond the pledges, practical approvals were granted on the spot.
Two investors received land allocation approvals on the first day, while Airtel secured ‘right of way’ to erect telecom towers, a critical step to reconnecting returnee villages that have remained cut off for years.
Borno promised speed and industrial land within two weeks, residential plots within 24 hours, plus waivers, an industrial hub, and access to an international dry port.
The incentives, officials say, are designed to turn pledges into factories, markets and jobs, not just paperwork.
The Borno State Government, GIZ and Dyna-vest will set up an Investment Facilitation Support Group to track every commitment.
Quarterly reports will monitor progress, identify bottlenecks and push projects from pipeline to ground.
For the UN agencies present, UNHCR, IOM and UNDP, the roundtable demonstrated that durable solutions can work when the private sector is treated as a partner, not just a donor.
As participants left Lagos, the focus was no longer on how many millions were promised, but on how many families in Dalori, Bama, Gwoza and other returnee communities will finally rebuild a life beyond the camps.
