We’ll Manage N17bn Natural Resources Fund Transparently – Bauchi Governor

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the N17 billion disbursed to the state from the federal government’s natural resources development fund.

The governor gave the assurance yesterday while receiving a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) led by Amb. Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner.

Governor Mohammed commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the funds and President Bola Tinubu for releasing them. He explained that the allocation has been strategically invested in agriculture, irrigation, solid minerals, energy, and tourism.

Key projects financed with the funds include the ongoing construction of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri, designed to train manpower for the solid minerals and energy sectors, the upgrade of the state-owned Fertiliser Blending Plant in collaboration with OCP Morocco, and irrigation demonstration schemes across Bauchi’s three senatorial districts.

According to the governor, others include renovating and upgrading Yankari Game Reserve to be solar-powered, which is being prepared for concessioning during the forthcoming Bauchi Investment Summit.

The governor emphasised that the initiatives are intended to create value chains in agriculture, mining, energy, and tourism while opening job opportunities for Bauchi’s youths.

For his part, Amb. Desmond Akawor said the RMAFC team was in Bauchi to monitor how the Natural Resources Development Fund was utilised.

He confirmed that the delegation had inspected the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy and the Yankari Game Reserve, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded. He, however, advised that all projects under the scheme should carry signboards for public awareness.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Hon. Mohammed Maiwada Bello, led the RMAFC delegation to inspect the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy and the Kaura Mineral Processing and Buying Centre.

He explained that the academy is envisioned as a hub for research and training in oil and gas, equipping youths with globally competitive technical skills. The Kaura centre would boost revenue through value addition and transparent mineral trading.

The delegation described the projects as “landmark investments” capable of transforming Bauchi’s economy and contributing to national development.

They pledged the Commission’s continued support in ensuring prudent resource management for the benefit of the people.