State Govt, Experts Collaborate On New Bauchi City

A firm, Setik Designs Nigerian Limited, has presented the conceptual and engineering infrastructure design for the proposed Bauchi New City to the Bauchi State Ministry of Lands and Survey for review, local stakeholders’ and professional input.

The new city, located along the Ningi Road corridor within the Bauchi metropolitan area, spans approximately 1,200 hectares. The consulting firm has completed key components of the project including surveying, urban planning, engineering drawings and electrical designs.

Presenting the design yesterday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting, the managing director of Setik Designs, Dr Jatto Abdulkareem, said the proposal reflects international standards and best practices.

He emphasised that while the design was developed by experts, feedback from local stakeholders is essential for finalising the plans.

“We’ve done our best to meet international benchmarks, but we understand that local context matters. Those who live here know what suits the environment best.

“We’ll welcome constructive criticisms and suggestions to improve the plan to meet the needs of Bauchi residents,” he said.

Dr Abdulkareem added that urban renewal and sustainable development are key to creating vibrant, livable cities, noting that expansion is necessary to accommodate growing populations and future development.

Also, the director general of the Bauchi State Geographic Information System (BAGIS), Yahaya Yusuf, highlighted the importance of incorporating insights from professionals and community members, especially in areas like implementation strategies, environmental management and cost analysis.

“After collating inputs from all stakeholders, we will integrate the necessary adjustments before producing the final design for implementation,” he said, stressing the state’s commitment to quality urban development in alignment with Governor Bala Mohammed’s policy vision.

On his part, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Abdullahi Mohammed, said the plan to create a new city is a response to increasing population due to Bauchi’s relative security and recent economic activities, especially the oil recovery developments in Alkaleri.

He noted that the state government aims to accommodate residents, investors and industries relocating to Bauchi, and that the New City project is central to this goal.

“The engineering infrastructure design is ready, and we now seek input from professionals, academics, property owners and developers, everyone who has a stake in Bauchi’s built environment,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the new city initiative is not just about infrastructure but about improving the overall quality of life, touching on education, healthcare, economic growth, environmental sustainability and public safety.

He added that effective implementation will require unlocking the state’s agricultural and mineral resource potential as well as attracting both national and international investment.

The design presentation brought together representatives from key state ministries, including Works and Transport, Housing and Environment, and Water Resources, as well as the regional operations officer of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO), among other stakeholders.