The Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has disclosed that Bauchi is ranked 6th in Nigeria in terms of Ease of Doing Business, an achievement attributed to the effective implementation of investor-friendly economic policies and programmes.
The governor made this known while speaking as a guest at the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) held in Abuja. He noted that the discovery of oil in Bauchi has accelerated economic growth and transformed the state’s development trajectory.
Represented by the state Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Abdullahi Mohammed, he stated that, “In Bauchi State, one of the main policy thrusts of our administration is investment in a knowledge-based economy and physical infrastructure development.”
The governor highlighted key investments across multiple sectors, including housing, transportation, power supply, water resources, sustainable environment and integrated rural development programmes.
“Our main focus is to deliver good governance from multiple directions, aiming to shift the narrative of Bauchi from a once backwards state to one of the shining examples of those with steady progress on human and physical development. The indicators are there, vividly speaking in concrete terms.”
According to him, the government is implementing a new Master Plan for Bauchi State capital, with developmental targets projected up to the year 2050.
He also cited the Bauchi Geographic Information Service (BAGIS) as a significant leap toward modernising land administration, backed by strong government support.
On housing, the governor said the state, in partnership with Family Homes Fund Ltd., has constructed 2,500 housing units across the state’s six emirates to address housing shortages.
In a statement on Wednesday, the state commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, also noted that as part of urban renewal efforts, the government has cleared shanties in identified areas to ensure right-of-way and easy access to major roads.
“This exercise is now continuous, signalling the state’s commitment to adopting global best practices in development,” the governor said.
He added that a new Government House has been constructed, and new city layouts are being developed in the GRA axis of Bauchi to support a modern city vision.
He added that the administration has constructed over 300 kilometres of township roads with drainage systems, opening up access to densely populated and previously underserved areas, easing traffic and improving urban mobility.
“Government is laying a solid foundation for modernisation by rolling out programs that actively engage the youth, helping to reduce rural-urban migration,” he added.
Governor Bala assured stakeholders and partners of the state’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and collaboration.
He also commended the AIHS organisers for creating a vital platform where issues relating to housing and urban development in Nigeria are deliberated for impactful decisions.
