The Borno State Government has launched a N1 billion empowerment programme targeted at strengthening youth-led micro businesses, with a focus on mobile phone repairers, technicians, and apprentices across the state.
The initiative, unveiled in Maiduguri, is designed to support 1,050 youths through structured training in mobile phone repairs and maintenance, while providing direct financial assistance to about 3,000 apprentices already operating within the informal economy. The programme forms part of broader efforts to rebuild livelihoods, enhance productivity and accelerate post-conflict economic recovery in Borno State.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries undergoing training will be equipped with modern repair tools to enable them to deliver professional services and compete effectively in the growing mobile technology market. In addition to the equipment, all 1,050 trainees will receive cash grants as seed capital to help them establish or expand their businesses after completing the programme.
The empowerment package has been structured to reflect different levels of business capacity and growth needs. A group of beneficiaries will receive higher-value grants to scale operations, while others will receive smaller amounts aimed at supporting start-ups and stabilising existing micro enterprises. Thousands of apprentices will also benefit from cash support and working tools to strengthen their businesses and improve income generation. The training component of the programme is estimated to cost N482 million.
The state government said the scheme reflects a deliberate strategy to invest in practical skills that are in high demand, particularly in urban and semi-urban communities where mobile phone usage continues to rise. By supporting repair technicians and apprentices, the programme is expected to create jobs, reduce youth unemployment and stimulate small-scale economic activity at the community level.
Speaking at the launch, the governor said youth empowerment and skills development remain central to the administration’s development agenda. He noted that beyond microbusiness support, the state has continued to invest in education and specialised training, including overseas programmes in aviation, medicine, and postgraduate studies, to prepare young people for long-term economic opportunities.
The government stated that initiatives such as the mobile phone repair empowerment scheme are crucial to rebuilding confidence, restoring livelihoods, and creating sustainable income sources for youths in a state recovering from years of conflict. It added that supporting micro enterprises remains one of the fastest ways to drive inclusive growth and economic stability in Borno.
