The Gains of Bauchi’s Maiden International Economic Summit

…Billions of Dollars Invested

By Umar Usman Duguri

Penultimate week, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State once again placed Bauchi on the global stage as an emerging investment hub of the Northeast.

The maiden Bauchi International Economic and Investment Summit brought together captains of industry, former Nigerian presidents, ambassadors, business moguls, and small-scale business operators from within and outside the country.

The Summit, which was held at the newly constructed and commissioned Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in the state capital, attracted investments worth over $5 billion from 47 countries, corporate bodies, and individual industrialists.

In addition, more than ₦100 billion in investments—mostly from states, local governments, and individuals—was recorded across key sectors including agriculture, tourism, education, ICT, and solid minerals.

Implementation of these projects is expected to commence soon, with a regulatory board to oversee investment activities scheduled to take off in November this year.

The biggest single investment announced at the summit was into the proposed Bauchi Petrochemical Industries, which will host no fewer than 150 SMEs leveraging the Kolmani oil and gas fields. A Chinese firm is investing over $2.7 billion in the project, which is expected to create about 150,000 jobs.

An indigenous company, Resident Cement Factory Nig. Ltd, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to invest over $2 billion for the annual production of 10,000 metric tonsof cement. The company presented a cheque of ₦267 billion for the provision of infrastructure at the Gwana site project in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The two-day summit ended on a high note with Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed declaring that Northern Nigeria is not a parasitic region, but one temporarily slowed by the oil boom era of the 1970s. He emphasized that the North is now regaining its place, leveraging its vast agricultural resources, solid minerals, and newly discovered oil and gas reserves.

Governor Bala thanked participants for their peaceful and orderly conduct, saying:

“My vision for the sub-nationals is for them to be financially independent. We are tired of being called parasites. Northern Nigeria is not a parasite to anybody. We have always generated wealth. The solid minerals we have in Bauchi are the same as those in Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kano. We are not part of any vanity.”

He further stated: “Our lands have not been developed. We must manage our forest reserves to create harmony between farmers and herders. Proper urban and regional planning must ensure cattle routes, grazing reserves, and farmlands.”

The Governor expressed appreciation to Dr. Usman Bugaje, whom he described as instrumental to Bauchi’s economic roadmap:

“Dr. Bugaje has been working with us since I became Governor. He didn’t charge consultancy fees. He started with the ‘My Bauchi Project’ blueprint, focusing on our comparative advantages. I urge other governors to learn from his expertise and our development model.”

He also praised Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, for his intellectual leadership and contribution to the success of the summit.

Governor Bala emphasized unity and collective ownership of the initiative:

“This is not about me or my party. It’s about Bauchi State. We must put politics and personal interests aside. We should open up, allow others to contribute, and leverage our strengths to move forward together.”

Expressing gratitude to the international community, he noted:

“I’m grateful to the international community for believing in us. The world is watching. You cannot deceive anyone today. No amount of mudslinging can destroy a good reputation. These investors believe in our administration, and that is a huge responsibility.”

Because of Bauchi’s close historical and commercial ties with Kano, Governor Bala invited Kano State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, to officially close the summit.

Declaring the summit closed, Gwarzo described it as “a wonderful event that showcased the commitment and creativity of the organizers, participants, and investors.” He congratulated Governor Bala Mohammed and his team for the successful organization and urged other states to emulate Bauchi’s example.

Gwarzo, who attended the summit’s opening declared by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, said the event inspired and motivated him, stressing that anyone planning a similar event must follow a well-structured process to achieve success.

The summit venue, Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, was commissioned by former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, supported by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, and former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The dignitaries praised Governor Bala Mohammed for initiating and hosting such a remarkable global event.

Deputy Governor Gwarzo also emphasized the importance of organizing similar summits across the country:

“Events like this allow people to see what our leaders are doing, to recognize our potentials, and to share ideas that will move Nigeria to the Promised Land, Insha’Allah.”

The maiden international economic summit received widespread applause from across the country. Many participants called for its continuation to further harness both the tapped and untapped resources of the state.

Among those who commended the Governor was Alhaji Usman Adamu, the DanmalikinDuguri, who described him as “a true leader driven by patriotism and steadfastness, committed to changing the narrative of leadership and governance as a tool for people-centered development.”