Governor Bala Mohammed’s Commitment to Investor-Friendly Environment
Governor Bala Mohammed has reiterated his administration’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for investors, ensuring that their interests are safeguarded. The governor emphasized that Bauchi State’s investment initiatives are built on principles of transparency, accountability, and innovation. These efforts include strategic collaborations with Chinese firms in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Mohammed highlighted that the state is leveraging its rich natural resources, young population, and improving infrastructure to establish itself as a key economic hub in Northern Nigeria. He noted that Bauchi’s agricultural potential is significant, with 4.2 million hectares of arable land offering immense opportunities for investment.
Agricultural Potential and Investment Opportunities
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, described Bauchi as an agriculturally blessed state. During the opening of the two-day Economic and Investment Summit, he emphasized that the state’s vast land area presents substantial possibilities for agricultural growth. Zulum encouraged foreign investors to consider Bauchi, citing the state’s agricultural resources and the hospitality of its people as strong attractions.
He also praised the ease of doing business program implemented by the Bauchi government, which has created favorable conditions for both domestic and international investors. Additionally, Zulum commended Governor Bala Mohammed for organizing the Economic and Investment Summit and acknowledged the impact of former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Green Revolution project on Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Legal Protections and Economic Revitalization
The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, assured investors of legal protection from the state assembly. He stated that the summit signifies a new direction in Bauchi’s economic revitalization, emphasizing the need to harness the state’s abundant natural resources to reduce reliance on the central government. Sulaiman reaffirmed the assembly’s commitment to supporting Bauchi as a viable destination for investors.
Commissioning of the International Conference Centre
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo recently commissioned the Multi-Billion Naira Bauchi International Conference Centre, named Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre. Located opposite the Bauchi state Government House, the facility was unveiled with the presence of notable figures including Borno State Governor Umara Zulum, Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
Obasanjo described the project as a symbol of economic development and growth for Bauchi. He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for the initiative, highlighting the role of investment summits in fostering collaboration and encouraging investment for state development.
Economic and Investment Summit
The two-day Economic and Investment Summit, organized by the Bauchi state government, aims to showcase 10 key economic and investment potentials for local and international investors. This event coincides with the commissioning of the conference centre. Emirs from various regions, including Bauchi, Ningi, Dass, Misau, and Kataum, are expected to attend.
The ten areas to be presented at the summit include Agriculture and Agribusiness, Tourism, Trade and Commerce, Industry, Culture and Heritage, Logistics, Transport and Value Chain Connectivity, Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Energy and Renewable Power, Infrastructure and Urban Development, Education, Skills and Vocational Development, and Logistics, Transport and Value Chain Connectivity. These sectors reflect the administration’s focus on building a resilient, self-sustaining economy through innovation, inclusion, and partnership.
Call for Investment in Education and Governance
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Mahmud Ahmed, urged northern governors to prioritize education, good governance, and capital development. He emphasized that without these elements, investors would not take the region seriously. Ahmed stressed the importance of education as an economic strategy, noting that it transforms productivity and cultivates leaders.
He advised governors to utilize existing national agencies and parastatals to enhance regional economic potential by establishing a commission to coordinate activities based on the region’s strengths.
Domestic Investors’ Commitment
Domestic and international investors have pledged to invest in Bauchi’s economic potentials. Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, CEO of Tiamin Rice Milling Company, revealed that the company has invested 37 billion Naira in the state, with 90% of the allocated 10,000 hectares of land cleared for use. He mentioned that the company has constructed a 600-million-tons capacity rice milling plant in Bauchi and plans for further expansion.
Resident Cement Company, another domestic investor, has invested over 200 billion Naira in the state. The Bauchi State Commissioner of Commerce, Muhammad Salis Gamawa, highlighted the state’s agricultural capabilities, noting that over 10 million people are engaged in farming activities. He also mentioned the government’s plans to establish a modern fertilizer production plant and create jobs in the cement industry.
Bauchi’s mineral resources, job creation, and renewable energy potential position the state as a promising location for business and investment. The vision of transforming Bauchi into an industrial hub in Africa underscores the state’s ambitious goals for future development.
