Bauchi Distributes 186 Vehicles To Traditional Rulers, Begins Palace Construction

The Bauchi State Government has distributed 186 vehicles to newly established emirates, chiefdoms, and district heads in the State in a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and enhancing grassroots governance.

Governor Bala Mohammed presided over the distribution ceremony on Monday, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention rather than a routine exercise.

“The traditional rulers remain the custodians of our values, the link between government and the grassroots, and the voices of the people. Their presence inspires order, while their wisdom sustains peace,” the governor said.

The vehicles distributed included 14 GMC vehicles, 14 Toyota Hilux trucks, 14 buses, and 144 Toyota Camry cars allocated to district heads. Mohammed noted that the vehicles are intended to improve mobility and service delivery at the community level.

“These vehicles are essential instruments to enable our traditional rulers to effectively engage their communities, mediate disputes, monitor development, and collaborate with security agencies,” he added.

Beyond the distribution, the governor announced the commencement of construction of new palaces for the recently created emirates and chiefdoms, assuring that the projects would be completed before the end of his tenure.

He also disclosed that the state government is reviewing the remuneration and welfare packages of traditional rulers, noting that existing provisions no longer reflect the scope of their responsibilities.

On funding, Mohammed said his administration had ensured the implementation of statutory allocations ranging from four to six per cent from local governments to emirates. However, he cautioned that such funds must be managed responsibly.

“These resources are public funds entrusted to the institutions, not for personal use. Financial autonomy must go hand-in-hand with accountability,” he said.

The governor further urged traditional rulers to remain within their domains to provide effective leadership and warned against involvement in partisan politics.

The initiative follows the signing of a bill in October 2025 establishing 13 new emirates, one chiefdom, and hundreds of district head positions across the state—an expansion designed to bring governance closer to the people and strengthen community-level administration.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, said the development reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive grassroots governance, noting that the Assembly had passed the enabling legislation for the new traditional structures.

Also speaking, the Emir of Bauchi and chairman of the State Council of Emirs described the initiative as a milestone for traditional institutions, urging beneficiaries to uphold the values of the institution while promoting peace and development.