Bauchi State governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has announced discussions with the Federal Ministry of Blue and Marine Economy to accelerate the development of the Bauchi Inland Container Terminal.
He believes the move will transform the state into a primary trade gateway for the North-East.
At the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) held in Bauchi yesterday, Governor Mohammed said the project would revolutionise logistics, reduce transport costs, and attract large-scale trade and investment.
The governor revealed that he has directed the establishment of a new Industrial Layout to accommodate emerging and expanding factories.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau further disclosed that the state is finalising a modern, investor-friendly industrial policy to provide investors with clear guidance, incentives, and protections.
“We are taking deliberate steps to build an enabling environment for industries to thrive, SMEs to grow, and artisans to flourish. Without the growth of the manufacturing sector, the dream of sustainable economic development will remain elusive,” he said.
Highlighting Bauchi’s current ranking as 4th in Nigeria for Ease of Doing Business, Mohammed expressed determination to climb even higher by removing bottlenecks in land acquisition, building modern markets across local governments, and completing an International Trade Fair Complex to host exhibitions, connect entrepreneurs to buyers, and attract foreign partners.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping SMEs and artisans with training, tools, and access to finance, enabling them to compete nationally and internationally.
He cited capacity-building programmes, technology adoption initiatives, and partnerships with technical institutes to give young people practical industrial skills.
He also invited MAN members to the state’s upcoming First Bauchi Investment Summit, describing it as a platform to forge long-term collaborations to expand the state’s industrial base, improve financing opportunities, and create jobs.
Mohammed urged the AGM participants to use the gathering to bridge the gap between government and industry, ideas and action, and vision and reality, with the ultimate goal of building a resilient manufacturing economy in Bauchi that could serve as a model for Nigeria and Africa.
For his part, MAN’s Bauchi branch chairman, Shehu Nyalum, thanked the state government for hosting the AGM and pledged the association’s full support in advancing the state’s industrial development for economic growth and job creation.
