Bauchi Investment Summit and a new era of prosperity, By Lawal Muazu Bauchi
In healthcare, a state of emergency was declared to address decades of neglect. Health facilities have been upgraded, and primary healthcare delivery has been strengthened, especially in rural communities. These targeted interventions have increased access to essential services and significantly improved the state’s overall health outcomes.
Bauchi State is gradually emerging as a model of purposeful governance and strategic investment in Nigeria. The recently concluded Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit has further confirmed this trajectory, marking a historic moment for the state’s economy and future development.
The summit, the first of its kind in the state’s history, concluded on a high note with the signing of 47 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors, including agriculture, solid minerals, power, tourism, and extractive industries. The total investment value of these partnerships stands at over $5.2 billion (approximately ₦7.8 trillion). This milestone reflects growing investor confidence in Bauchi’s economic environment, policy direction, and leadership stability.
Among the landmark deals is a $2.7 billion agreement with the China Fuhai Energy Group for the establishment of a Petrochemical City Complex in Bauchi. Another is a $1 billion investment by the African Athlete Academy to develop a world-class sports and youth development facility aimed at nurturing talent and promoting youth engagement. These agreements mark a new chapter for Bauchi, positioning it as a hub for industrial and human development.
Behind these milestones stands a leader who has tirelessly driven Bauchi’s transformation into a state poised for sustainable growth. Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has shown that leadership is about vision, inclusiveness, and results. His administration has prioritised long-term impact over short-term optics, delivering tangible benefits to the people.
Working closely with Governor Mohammed has given me invaluable insight into what ideal leadership looks like. He is remarkably approachable, deeply committed to public service, and steadfast in his mission to deliver initiatives that directly improve lives. He listens to advice, values teamwork, and treats everyone in his circle with respect and kindness. This atmosphere of mutual trust and open communication has enabled his team to function effectively and contribute meaningfully to his vision for Bauchi State.
One of the most striking areas of transformation under his administration is infrastructure development. Roads once plagued by neglect and impassability have been rebuilt and modernised, significantly improving mobility and connectivity across the state. The Ibrahim Bako Bypass (also known as the Gombe–Maiduguri Bypass) and the Sabon Kaura–Miri Road are prime examples of projects that have transformed transportation, stimulated economic growth, and fostered community cohesion. These developments are reshaping the face of Bauchi and restoring public trust in government.
Governor Mohammed’s focus on people-oriented governance is equally evident in his investments in education and healthcare. The education sector has undergone significant reforms, with hundreds of schools renovated or newly constructed and equipped with modern facilities. His administration has also prioritised the recruitment and training of qualified teachers to ensure every child in Bauchi receives quality education.
In healthcare, a state of emergency was declared to address decades of neglect. Health facilities have been upgraded, and primary healthcare delivery has been strengthened, especially in rural communities. These targeted interventions have increased access to essential services and significantly improved the state’s overall health outcomes.
Agriculture, which is the backbone of Bauchi’s economy, has also received unprecedented attention. Through the provision of improved seedlings, fertilisers, and modern farming equipment, the government is helping farmers transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. In partnership with organisations like CSC Farms, thousands of young people are being trained in modern agricultural techniques, creating a new generation of agro-entrepreneurs who are contributing to food security and economic growth.
The administration’s hands-on approach is a hallmark of its leadership. It leads by example, conducting regular inspections of ongoing projects to ensure quality and efficiency. It remains accessible to the people, listening to their needs and expectations. This people-centric style of governance has made Bauchi’s government transparent, accountable, and relatable.
To those of us who work closely with him, Governor Mohammed is not just a leader but a mentor who inspires excellence. He values integrity, hard work, and loyalty. He treats his staff like family and constantly reminds us that leadership is about service, not privilege. This humility and sincerity have earned him the respect of colleagues, citizens, and development partners alike.
The success of the Bauchi Investment Summit is more than an economic milestone. It symbolises a new era of renewal, growth, and progress for Bauchi State. It is a statement that Bauchi is ready to take its rightful place in the national and global economic space. It also reinforces Governor Mohammed’s commitment to building a self-sustaining economy anchored in innovation, investment, and inclusiveness.
As one privileged to be part of this administration, I can attest that the foundation being laid today will shape Bauchi’s destiny for generations to come. The story of Bauchi State under the present leadership is one of transformation, built on courage, foresight, and compassion. The momentum is undeniable, the progress measurable, and the vision crystal clear. Bauchi State is open for business, receptive to partnerships, and poised for a prosperous future. Under Governor Mohammed’s stewardship, the promise of a united, forward-looking, and thriving Bauchi is becoming a tangible reality.
Lawal Muazu Bauchi is the New Media Aide to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. He writes from Karofi, Bauchi.