Bauchi Revives Steyr Nigeria Ltd, Gov Promises N615m Salary Payment To Staff

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

Respite has come the way of hundreds of suffering staff of the moribund Steyr Nigeria Ltd as Bauchi State Government has pledged to pay their outstanding salaries of N615 million 

Governor Bala Mohammed made the promise shortly after the Bank of Industry (BOI formally handed over the once thriving industry to the Bauchi State Government for management after revival.

The handing and taking over ceremony was held at the Executive Chambers of the Bauchi State Governor’s Office.

Mohammed revealed  that the administration  was ready to revive the once-thriving company and turn it into a hub for manufacturing and job creation in Nigeria.

He assured that the N615 million owed to the Steyr staff would be fully settled by next month, a move he said would remove all encumbrances and bring closure to years of hardship.

Mohammed expressed gratitude to God for the modest achievement, and thanked the BOI management  and Board and the Federal Government for supporting the move saying  it demonstrates prioritization of economic development over profit making.

He recalled  that Steyr Nigeria Ltd contributed to the prosperity of the country  at its peak and lamented its eventual collapse due to mismanagement and neglect.

The governor  disclosed that the facility, which once served as a major assembly plant, was abandoned and became a haven for criminals and immoral activities.

He decried the deterioration of the industry and  commended the BOI) and the court-appointed receiver, for resisting pressure to sell off the land and structures to speculators.

He disclosed that the government paid N1.5 billion, the book value of the facility, to secure full ownership, and the state government has already cleared 100% of the entitlements owed to BOI.

He announced unveiled plans to turn the industry into a multi-purpose industrial hub.

He disclosed ongoing discussions with investors interested in assembling agricultural machinery, CNG buses, electric vehicles, and solar-powered tricycles (Keke NAPEP) at the facility.

He emphasized that only credible investors would be allowed into the project, ruling out opportunists or speculators and pledged transparency and assured stakeholders that no personal interests would interfere with the development.

In his remarks, Hon. Farouk Mustapha, Commissioner for Special Duties and Rural Development and Chairman of the Handover Committee, commended the Governor’s foresight and leadership.

Farouk Mustapha highlighted the State Governors commitment and foresight which he said it paved way for the acquiring the company’s assets and reflect a deep dedication to the economic advancement of Bauchi State.

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He confirmed that while formal documentation is still being finalized, the facilities have been handed over, and remaining paperwork will be submitted to the Governor’s office upon completion.

Speaking at the event, recipient managing the Steyr asset, Barr Joshua John, described the handover as a milestone in Bauchi State’s journey toward industrial renewal.

He said Steyr has long been an integral part of this state and its economy saying the buyback by the state government is a great occasion, and Bauchi is in a better position to revitalize it for the benefit of its people.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor for his leadership and optimism that the move would usher in peace, prosperity, and sustainable economic growth for the state.

He acknowledged that the buyback marks a turning point in the Bala Mohammed administration’s commitment to industrialization and economic empowerment, reviving dormant assets, restoring hope for hundreds of workers, and attracting investment to Bauchi State.

The handover marked a turning point in Bauchi’s drive to revive dormant assets and stimulate economic growth through industrial revitalization in Bauchi State and Nigeria as whole.

The Regional Manager, North, BOI, Mohammed Maina, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his vision and mission in reinvigorating moribund industries in the State.

Also speaking, Chairman, ex-staff Union of Steyr Nigeria Ltd, Comrade Sani Garba, appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for intervening in the Company’s affairs, saying they had been struggling for over 13 years without any positive results until now